A skipping rope or jump rope is a tool used in the sport of skipping/jump rope where one or more participants jump over a rope swung so that it passes under their feet and over their heads. There are multiple subsets of skipping/jump rope, including single freestyle, single speed, pairs, three-person speed (Double Dutch), and three-person freestyle (Double Dutch freestyle).
Rope skipping is commonly performed as an exercise or recreational activity, and there are also several major organizations that support jump rope as a competitive sport. Often separated by sex and age, events include hundreds of competitive teams all around the world. In the US, schools rarely have jump rope teams, and few states have sanctioned official events at the elementary school level. In freestyle events, jumpers use a variety of basic and advanced techniques in a routine of one minute, which is judged by a head judge, content judges, and performance judges. In speed events, a jumper alternates their feet with the rope going around the jumper every time one of their feet hits the ground for 30 seconds, one minute, or three minutes. The jumper is judged on the number of times the right foot touches the ground in those times.
History
1800 illustration of a woman with a skipping rope
Explorers reported seeing aborigines jumping with vines in the 16th century. European boys started skipping in the early 17th century. The activity was considered indecent for girls due to concerns of them showing their ankles. Girls began skipping in the 18th century, adding skipping chants, owning the rope, controlling the game, and deciding who may participate.
In the United States, domination of the activity by girls emerged as their families moved into cities in the late 19th century. There, they found sidewalks and other smooth surfaces conducive to skipping, along with a high density of peers with whom to engage in the sport.
Techniques
There are many techniques that can be used when skipping. These can be used individually or combined in a series to create a routine.
Solo participants
For solo jumping, the participant jumps and swings the rope under their feet. The timing of the swing is matched to the jump. This allows them to jump the rope and establish a rhythm more successfully. This can be contrasted with swinging the rope at the feet and jumping, which would mean they were matching the jump to the swing. This makes it harder to jump the rope and establish a rhythm
Health effects
Skipping may be used as a cardiovascular workout, similar to jogging or bicycle riding, and has a high MET or intensity level. This aerobic exercise can achieve a "burn rate" of up to 700 to over 1,200 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 to nearly 1.1 calories consumed per jump, mainly depending upon the speed and intensity of jumps and leg foldings. Ten minutes of skipping are roughly the equivalent of running an eight-minute mile. Skipping for 15–20 minutes is enough to burn off the calories from a candy bar and is equivalent to 45–60 minutes of running, depending upon the intensity of jumps and leg swings. Many professional trainers, fitness experts, and professional fighters greatly recommend skipping for burning fat over any other alternative exercises like running and jogging.
Weighted skipping ropes are available for such athletes to increase the difficulty and effectiveness of such exercise. Individuals or groups can participate in the exercise, and learning proper techniques is relatively simple compared to many other athletic activities. The exercise is also appropriate for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
Skipping grew in popularity in 2020 when gyms closed or people stayed home due to coronavirus restrictions across the world. These workouts can be done at home and do not require specialized equipment.
- 1 pound fresh medium-sized mushrooms
- 1/4 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Select the 12 largest mushrooms; remove the stems and reserve the caps. Chop the stems finely, along with the remaining mushrooms.
- In a large skillet, combine the chopped mushrooms and sausage over medium-high heat and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until no pink remains in the sausage, stirring frequently to break up the sausage.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the bread crumbs, sour cream, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Preheat the broiler. Spoon the mixture evenly into the reserved mushroom caps and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned.
November 20th each year recognizes National Child’s Day and all the potential represented by our children’s ambitions, dreams, and goals. Through educational goals, STEAM projects, and academic missions, educators and families join forces to provide excellence at all levels of education.
Education begins at home, and by providing parents with resources vital to growing minds, we encourage curiosity and brain development. From the day they are born their education begins. Language and social skills are essential building blocks to any child’s early education.
Schools and educators are investing in science, math, and arts programs. As technology becomes a more integral part of our lives, innovation drives education as well as nearly every career in the world. No matter where our children’s interests lie, technology will advance the way we learn, heal, communicate, travel, change, and protect the world. Our children will be the innovators of the future. All we need to do is give them the education and the tools to dream and learn to their fullest potential. National Child’s Day inspires communities, educators, and parents to do just that.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Get involved with your child’s school. Discover your child’s passion. Support extra-curricular activities. Encourage community endeavors that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math because these areas of focus support the way we live every day, and they are lacking in education today.
- Science – Every day, we use science in nearly every facet of life. From medicine to the development of new products to solutions to socioeconomic issues, science is a necessary tool in the educational toolbox.
- Technology – It’s growing every day. We communicate with people around the world who speak another language. Hundreds of years of compiled science allow us to continue developing new technologies to explore space. New innovations will enable us to cure a disease before babies are even born.
- Engineering – Without engineering, many innovations never happen. Whether we look deep to the ocean floor or miles above the earth, engineers visualize and then create the components that work together. It’s a fusion of science, technology, and design.
- Art – By human nature, we need the arts. Those who have a creative outlet perform better at work. While we’re more likely to be more productive, the arts allow us the opportunity to connect to the human condition. It’s also an ability to understand design and quality. When a product has an aesthetic design, it holds its value longer. Quality products are also a piece of art.
- Math – When it comes to each of the above areas, every one of them relies on math. We wouldn’t have gone to the moon without it. If we want our children to move us with music or with the next greatest automobile, they will need outstanding math skills, too.
NATIONAL CHILD’S DAY HISTORY
In 1995, Lee Rechter set out to create National Child’s Day. The retired school counselor wanted a day that honored children. In 2001, she succeeded in her mission, and President George W. Bush signed a one-time proclamation for the nation to observe the day on June 3rd. The declaration proposed supporting children in their endeavors from the very beginning. And while it was initiated as a single-day observance, it aimed to nurture and uphold the belief that all children deserve to have the same opportunities.
However, Rechter pursued a continuing resolution for the observance. She succeeded, and for the next seven years on a Sunday in early June, the President proclaimed National Child’s Day.
Then, in 2009, when President Barak Obama took office, the observance was changed to November. Each year since National Child’s Day has been observed on November 20th at a time when children are in the midst of their education and surrounded by families.
Children FAQ
Q. When will children born in 2021 graduate from high school?
A. Children born in 2021 will graduate from high school in 2039.
Q. How much does a four-year degree cost?
A. As of 2021, the cost of tuition and fees at a four-year college runs between $42,000 for public education and $150,000 for private. Keep in mind, these numbers do not include room and board.
