>Ginny,

>You have some excellent points! Being flexible and knowing how to "read"
>your group is the essence.

Thanks Mrs. Hodges :o)

I really agree with you, I really responded to competition, but I know others
who just don't work that way. So, it really does depend on on the group of
kids your working with. ;)

If you want to start with a very basic routine, there's always IRSO's (a
pre-USAJRF jump rope organization) old compulsory:

Two Jumps
Cross, open, cross
Side-swing cross right, side-swing cross left
Two Jumps
180 turn
Two jumps backwards
Backwards Cross, open, cross
Backwards Side-swing cross right, side-swing cross left
180 turn
10 Can Can Kicks

Sometimes, working on something as simple as that and getting your poise
established as well as your confidence up can help.

Ginny