Our jump rope unit usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks and students are instructed on using the short jump rope and the long jump rope.  Students are also introduced to pieces of equipment called jump sticks and skip-its.  We discuss the health benefits of jump rope and we watch a video of what happens to our heart when we exercise.  Students are given time to practice each day in class and at the end of the unit, they are assessed on their skills.  Students are asked to create a jump rope routine with the short jump rope.  In the routine, students try to include 4 different jumping skills, jumping 4 times per skill, for a total of 16 jumps.  Our school will be participating in the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart fundraiser for the American Heart Association on April 5th.