Prepare to Play

Step 1:
Choose a flat space to play with enough room for 7 large hops.

Step 2:
Draw the design using single boxes and side-by-side boxes a little bigger than your feet.

Step 3:
Draw 3 single boxes on top of one another and number them 1, 2 and 3, with 1 closest to the start/ finish line.

Step 4:
Above square 3, draw two boxes side by side, numbered 4 and 5.

Step 5:
Draw a single box, 6. And above that, draw side-by-side boxes 7 and 8. Draw a semicircle on top, labeled "Home."

Hopscotch Rules

Step 1:
Toss a stone on square 1 from the start/finish line. You will hop over the stone on your way toward Home and pick it up on your way back. Don't step on a square with a stone. If you miss your toss, you lose your turn to the next player.

Step 2:
Hop to the first empty Hopscotch square. Use one foot to reach a single box or both feet to arrive in side-by-side boxes. Don't put two feet in a single box or step outside the lines.

Step 3:
Hop toward Home (you may use both feet at Home to turn around). Hop back, pausing at the square before your stone. Bend over and pick up the stone without moving your feet. Hop into that square and on toward the start/finish line.

Step 4:
Play until you are "out." If you lose your balance or put your foot in the wrong place, you lose your turn to the next player.

Step 5:
Continue Hopscotch play by tossing the stone in the next numbered box and repeating the steps.

• A flat stone is recommended as a throwing stone but you could subsitute with other things, including a small beanbag, shell, button, plastic toy etc.
• Do not attempt if you lack balance.
• You can use masking tape to make a hopscotch layout if preferred. It will lift up easily and is good for indoor games.
• Number 9 (the semi-circle shape) can be designated a "rest area" if you would like to have a break from hopping. This should be decided between players before starting the game.