Traditional
Piko
Also called Filipino hopscotch, Hopscotch
Toss a flat stone into a chalk grid, hop through on one foot without touching lines, and pick it up on the way back.
- people
- 2–8
- time
- 20 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- Household items
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Draw a grid of 8–10 boxes about 40 cm square: singles and side-by-side doubles, with a half-circle 'langit' (heaven) at the top. Number the boxes.
- 1Toss your pamato into box 1. It must land fully inside without touching a line.
- 2Hop through the grid on one foot in single boxes and two feet in double boxes, skipping the box with your pamato.
- 3At the top, turn around, hop back, and pick up your pamato on the way without losing balance.
- 4Stepping on a line, missing the box with the toss, or putting a hand down ends your turn. Next turn you continue from where you failed. First to finish every box wins.
What to say3
- 1“Toss your pamato — inside the box, no touching the lines!”
- 2“One foot, one foot, two feet… careful on the turn!”
- 3“Line! Ooh, so close — next player!”
Host tips3
- With more than 6 players, kids wait too long and wander off. Draw two or three grids side by side and run them at once.
- Arguments over 'touching the line' never end. Draw thick, clear lines and have the next player in line act as the judge.
- Rough stones bounce out of the box. Bottle caps or small bean bags make tosses fairer for younger kids.
Variants2
Bahay (claim a house)
After clearing every box, toss the pamato backwards over your shoulder. The box it lands in becomes your house: you may rest two feet there, and others must hop over it.
Eyes closed final
For older kids, the final lap is walked heel-to-toe with eyes closed while others call 'line!' if you step on one.
Safety2
- Hopping on uneven ground or wet tiles causes ankle rolls — use flat, dry pavement or tape on a carpeted hall.
- Keep the grid away from driveways and road edges.
Good for
Occasions
SchoolBirthdayReunionFiesta
Venues
OutdoorIndoor, largeChurch hall