Parachute Mushroom
Everyone lifts the parachute together, steps in, and pulls it down behind them to sit inside a mushroom. The first parachute game to teach: it makes the group work as one.
Overview
You need
Parachute
Skills developed
- Teamwork: moving on a shared count
- Strength: lifting and pulling
- Listening: acting on a count of three
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Spread the parachute flat. Children space out evenly around the edge, both hands on the handle or edge.
2Step 2
Coach takes a place on the edge too, where everyone can hear the count.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- "One, two, three, UP!" Everyone lifts the parachute high.
- "IN!" Everyone takes two steps in, still holding.
- "DOWN!" Pull the edge down behind you and sit on it. You are inside the mushroom.
- Count to five inside, then "UP" and out. Repeat.
Tips for explaining
"Lift with straight arms." Arms straight up gets the biggest dome.
"Wait for the word." The magic only works together.
Make it easier / harder
EasierCoach and one helper do the count and the pull; children just lift and step in.
HarderSit inside in silence for a count of ten. Add a whispered story inside.
Safety
Nobody runs under a rising parachute. Check for nervous children before "down": they can stay outside.
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.