I would have jumped all day if I could get away with it. In those days, we wore a skirts more often (all the time) than girls do now and they were much longer. I had the hems pulled out of every one because I'd catch my heels when I was jumping. I can't remember who taught me to use the rope - probably my Mom. But it was my favorite plaything. Way better than my tricycle and slightly better than my favorite bouncing ball.
When I started school, we all took our jump ropes to school and skipped through recess and lunch hour play time. We were still doing this in grade 7 although by then we'd graduated to what we called Double Dutch: jumping with two ropes. Not so long ago, I taught some kids in the daycare where I worked how to jump like this. The hardest part was getting them to turn the ropes in unison. But when I was showing them how to jump in, the old thrill came back. I could feel the tension as I waited for the ropes to get to just the right place...then, jump in - or wait another round. Oh, it was a happy time!
Not being a particularly athletic kid, I was thrilled with this jumping sport. I could do it. In fact, I was pretty darned good at it. And, athletic or not, I must have been very fit. Able to leap over small tables at the very least.
And now, I've seen a gadget that doesn't even have a long rope. Just two short whippy things that give a snapping sound to simulate the real deal. It measures all sorts of things that your body's doing while you jump. But for me, you can't beat the real thing. My only regret was that I never learned to jump through a cross-hands rope. Still can't figure out how they do that. It must be a trick.
9 comments:
I bet we had rock solid muscles from all that jumping, too. Do you recall the rhymes that went with jump roping? Every once in awhile I do an internet search for the ones I recall. The problem is, I don't recall all of the rhymes--just pieces--and they all run together in my mind.
I used to jump rope all the time too! If I did it now folks would think we're having an earthquake. LOL
It amazes me what kids can do with jump ropes these days- WOW!
The only rhyme I remember is the Cinderella one.
What a fun post -- I love the pictures from the past!
I'm with the commenter above in thinking about the old rhymes -- sometimes snatches of those go through my mind (and especially now after reading your post!)...
They always ended 'how many ...." and then you counted the number of jumps. I'm impressed that you were able to teach day care students to jump -- that seems pretty young to be that coordinated!
I LOVED jump rope!!!! But I hardly ever got to do it because there were only two other kids in our neighborhood, and we never all three played together at once. But I did it by myself, though that got boring after awhile. How could you jump in skirts!! That could be dangerous. That gadget is unbelievable, it sure takes all the fun out of it, I have never seen the like!!!
Stephanie, your post has taken me back to those playground days! Although primary school was harsh for us, we had great fun with the skipping (jump) rope in the playground. And that exercise kept us thin as whippets- I don't remember ANY overweight kids in our class, not like nowadays.
Bring back the jumprope, to every school playground, I say!
I wasn't athletic either, and I loved double dutch. I think if I tried today, my height would get in way - plus I'm not nearly as fit as I was then. Fun recess memories! :)
Thanks to all for reminding me of the rhymes. Another post?
Sallie - the kids in the day-care were 9 and 10. And not just girls but a couple of very keen boys learned, too.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. \i had a skipping rope, like your jump rope it was. I never saw this new gadget you have mentioned though.
Come over and check into this peiblog.ca when you visit next.
Ooooh yes. I loved double dutch too. On the mountain stands a lady, who she is I do not know; all she wants is gold and silver, all she wants is a fine young man. So come in dear ____ and (I forget the rest). Heaven's I don't know where that got dredged up from.
Cheers!
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