We all need movement to keep our muscles toned and strong. For preschoolers, there is nothing quite as satisfying as skipping. It’s feels a bit like flying. Young children tend to skip naturally and joyfully. I once stood outside a 3rd grade classroom and watched a girl in the class get up and skip to the back of the classroom to sharpen her pencil. Then she skipped back to her desk and happily sat down to write. I wondered, when do most people stop skipping?
Skipping takes around 24 percent more energy than running. As we age we tend to be more interested in getting somewhere and less interested in the joy of the journey. That’s a shame because skipping is something happy children do without even thinking about it. It builds muscle-tone, bone strength, coordination, and generally increases happiness.
Preschoolers have a great diversity of motor skills. Many children come to preschool already skipping, while others have not mastered the skill yet. When we are all skipping at school I simply call out “step, hop…step, hop” and it doesn’t take long before even the beginners are zooming across the room. It’s hard to think of a cheerier movement. Running gets you somewhere fast, but skipping gives you a feeling of elation. Often a spontaneously movement of joy.
When I join children skipping, I notice I feel happier. I skip whenever I see the opportunity! So today I encourage you, as someone involved in the life of one of more preschoolers, encourage their skipping and join in. It’s great for both of you. It's simple, fun, and free.
