Dollar Jump will help you instantly gain the attention of your students and build rapport with even the most unwilling. The facilitator begins by placing a dollar bill on the ground and challenging team members to jump over it. If they can while following the rules exactly they can have it! this is a very difficult task so there is no need to fear going broke...yet!

In the following course you will learn how to properly set-up and facilitate the activity and then if you wish, move students through an academic and/or social skills development reflection experience.

*This activity has been adapted from the Ice Breakers & Openers CD-ROM of The Inspire! Youth Series from LearningChange, LLC.

Ages
Dollar Jump is appropriate for 3rd grade and up. This activity requires coordination and physical activity so if your class is of a younger grade make sure to monitor their actions.

Group Size
Dollar Jump works with any group size, large or small.

Setting
An obstacle-free flat surface is needed for this activity, ideally something soft such as short grass or mats. This can be done on gym floors and other harder surfaces but be very clear about safety.

Duration
This activity should take about 10 minutes to complete with your group. Budget more time if you wish to go into depth by using any of the extension activities or questions.

General

In Dollar Jump, group members will:

• Immediately concentrate on the task at hand and practice the physical motions.
• Be enticed to try even after watching others look a little "foolish."
• Be more receptive and focused after participating.
  

Academic Standards & Asset Development

For specific academic and social development lessons for this activity, see the Academic Extensions and Social Extensions sections in this module.