Cat and Mouse
One mouse crawls under the parachute, one cat crawls on top. Everyone else ripples the parachute to hide the mouse. Cooperation with a giggle.
Overview
You need
Parachute
Skills developed
- Teamwork: protecting the mouse together
- Agility: crawling fast, changing direction
- Spatial awareness: tracking movement under fabric
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Parachute flat on the floor. Children kneel around the edge holding it.
2Step 2
Choose one mouse (goes underneath) and one cat (on top, on hands and knees).
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Everyone shakes the parachute in small waves to hide the mouse.
- The cat crawls on top trying to find and tap the mouse. The mouse crawls underneath to escape.
- Caught, or after thirty seconds, swap: two new players.
Tips for explaining
"Waves, not lifts." Keep the parachute low and rippling.
"Cat, use your ears." Listen for the mouse.
Make it easier / harder
EasierCoach is the cat and moves slowly.
HarderTwo mice. Cat has ten seconds.
Safety
Crawling only, no standing on the parachute. Mouse can come out any time by lifting the edge.
More teamwork & parachute games
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.