Bouncing Spider Games for Children

Games focused on jumping spiders keep children active while learning about the arachnid.

Bouncing spider games are a perfect close to thematic units centering on arachnids and other insects. Incorporating games and activities keep children active and having fun while learning and reinforcing new concepts. Bouncing spider games are an entertaining family activity and supplement almost all facets of education, when you use a little creativity and imagination.

Little Miss Muffet and Her Bouncing Spider Friend

Bounce over to Little Miss Muffet using all eight spider legs.

Pair the nursery rhyme of Little Miss Muffet with your bouncing spider game, encouraging children to jump from toadstool to toadstool searching everywhere for the little girl and her meal. Measure a waist-length yarn for each child, attach four strips of black paper acting as spider legs and tie around the child's waist. Place precut circles of paper onto the floor and let the children bounce onto the circles using all eight appendages.

Leaping Spiders

The traditional game of leap frog is effortlessly adaptable to a spider-themed lesson. Form the children into a single-file line approximately 1 to 2 feet apart and encourage the child in the last position to hop over the other children one at a time while acting as a jumping spider.

Bouncing Spider Rings

During the month of October, you may readily find black plastic spider rings in your local department store and potentially all year long in area party supply stores. Attach a long piece of sewing or quilting thread to the body of each spider ring and tie the string to the child's middle finger. Allow the students to practice making their spider jump using a small, quick flick of the wrist. Go outside to perfect spider bouncing from leaf to leaf.

Spider Balloons

Children can use water balloons and art supplies to create their own bouncing spider. Fill each water balloon with lukewarm water and place each in its own individual bowl while drawing its legs, eyes and fangs with a washable black marker. Transport the children to an outside location and allow them to bounce their spider water balloons in a soft, grassy area. The final student with an intact spider balloon is the winner.

References

• Library Support.net: Little Miss Muffet
• Earthlife.net: The Anatomy of Spiders