“Jump” is the finger-legs springing off the palm — toddlers get it instantly. It is one of the best action signs for active kids, typically learned between 15 and 20 months.
How to Sign “Jump” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the ground: Hold one hand flat, palm up.
- Stand the legs: Place your index and middle fingertips on the palm, pointing down.
- Jump: Spring the fingers up off the palm, bending them mid-air, and land them back down.
Bend the finger-knees at the top of the jump — that little detail is what makes it “jump” rather than “get up.”
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- At jumping moments: On the bed, off the step, in the puddle — sign it right as they leap.
- As a game cue: Sign “jump” and then jump together; toddlers adore command games.
- With animals: Frogs, bunnies, and kangaroos in books all earn the sign.
Tips for Success
- Sign it while they jump, not just before — tying it to their own body builds it fastest.
- Fingers bouncing anywhere on the other hand counts at first.
- Use it in “ready, set, jump!” once “go” is solid — swapping the last word builds anticipation skills.
Signs Related to “Jump”
“Dance” swings the same finger-legs side to side, and “fall” tips them over off the palm. Active toddlers often learn this whole movement family within a few weeks of each other.
Jumping with both feet typically emerges around age two — many toddlers can sign “jump” months before their feet actually leave the ground together.