This page is created by Smiley with the help of a Special Education teacher, elementary school Coach, Occupational Therapist, and reviewed by Professors at the University. It consist of just a few parachute games that can be played with a group of children. There are many games out there so please refer to the references listed of books avaliable on the market as well.
EQUIPMENT- One 24-foot parachute
Music is optional
Balls, beanbags, foam shapes also optional
SAFETY:
Children will be spaced apart so that they have enough personal space to safely participate in this activity. There are handles on the edge of the parachute that the children can hold onto. If there are not enough handles, the students can grip the edge of the parachute. They will also follow the rules of parachute play and never try to lift someone.
Anticipatory set:
Has anyone ever played with a parachute? Can you think of something you can do with a parachute? Does anyone know any parachute games? Who would like to give it a try? Have the students help you unroll the parachute.
Guided practice:
Have students sit down and spaced apart around the outside of the parachute. Beginning this activity in the sitting position will help the children learn how to grip the parachute and have better control of it. Have the children use any of the following grips: Overhand grip-grip the edge of the chute with the palms facing down. The overhand grip is the most common; Underhand grip-grip the edge of the chute with palms up; Cross-over grip- Cross the arms and grip the edge of the chute with an overhand grip; Alternating grip- use overhand grip with one hand and underhand grip with the other (this grip might be difficult for students). Begin a warm-up by having the children make gentle ripples with the parachute. Gradually the ripples get bigger and bigger making little waves. This is called Ripples and Waves. Then you can have them shake the chute hard until you say, "FREEZE". I like to have the children stand and do this part so they can "shake their sillies out". They need to get some of that energy out but you must regulate this so they don't get carried away.
The next part of the activity I ask the children if they have ever been on a merry-go-round. Then I tell them that today they get to become a merry-go-round. Have the children hold the chute with the right hand and begin walking in a circle. As they walk have them slowly lift the chute and bring it back down making waves as individuals (non-unison). When you say, "FREEZE", have the children turn around and go the other way. They must be able to walk, grip the chute, and lift it slowly making waves. Some other activities you can do are to add balls or beanbags on the chute and have children bounce them around trying to keep them on the chute. They can also lift the chute in unison and bring it back down making a mushroom.
Closure:
Tell the children to "FREEZE". Now the last parachute activity we are going to do today is called Roll-up. Have each child grip the edge of the chute and when you say go have them roll it and roll it until they get to the center. Sometimes I have them do it a couple of times if some of the children are not rolling it but instead just walking into middle trying to be first. Once they have it rolled up, you can put it back into the parachute bag for storage. I like to ask them if their arms are tired. Then you can talk about using the muscles and building strength.
