Kangaroo Jump

  • Strengthens legs
  • Improves trunk control and balance, which is important for body control.
  • Provides vestibular sensory input. Vertical vestibular input (bouncing, jumping) is typically the most accepted form of vestibular input and is very emotionally regulating since it involves a great deal of proprioception. This exercise is thus very useful for assisting children to achieve a ‘calm, alert’ state, ready for learning.
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • Due to the sensory input it provides, this exercise can be beneficial for children who are sleepy/bored. Vertical vestibular input (bouncing, jumping) is typically the most accepted form of vestibular input and is very regulating since it involves a great deal of proprioception. This exercise is thus very useful for assisting children to feel calm, alert and ready for learning.
  • Combine it with another regulating exercise (e.g. Kangaroo Jump then Gorilla Squat) to support regulation prior to classroom activities.

Instructions

  1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart
  2. Bend your knees
  3. Jump up high into the air and land softly with bent knees 
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Watch Points

  • Feet hip-width apart
  • Bent knees at take off and landing
  • Using your arms to help you jump higher 
  • Walk around the room, and stop quickly when your teacher or parent says “stop”.

Seated:

  • Do a jumping motion with your arms (and legs if possible), like you’re propelling your body to jump up high in the air.
  • Sit still on an exercise ball, focusing on your balance.

Progress Tracker

Find a flat grassy space, and use a tape measure to measure how far you can jump.  Make sure to land softly, with your knees bent.