Lesson 5 - Working Together with the Parachute
Confidence & Social Skills
•Reception
•Intro to PE
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together to make amazing things happen with our parachute?
Learning Objectives
- To work co-operatively with others in group activities
- To follow instructions and respond to signals effectively
- To show good control and co-ordination in movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate teamwork by working together with the parachute
- Students will show improved listening skills by responding to colour and number signals
- Students will display better co-ordination through various travelling movements
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in centre of teaching area with clear space all around
Alternative: Large fabric sheet, bedsheet for smaller groups
Place around parachute edge to mark colour sections
Alternative: Coloured bibs, fabric squares
Key Vocabulary
Working together with others to achieve something
Stop completely and hold your position like a statue
A sound or word that tells us what to do
Moving from one place to another in different ways
Up and down movements like water in the sea
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping movements
- Following simple instructions
- Awareness of personal space
Current Skills
- Co-operative working with equipment
- Responding to multiple signals
- Group co-ordination and timing
Next Steps
- Leading group activities
- More complex team games
- Advanced parachute techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Teamwork makes activities more successful and enjoyable
- Gentle hands and controlled movements keep everyone safe
- Listening carefully to instructions helps activities run smoothly
- Sharing and taking turns shows good friendship skills
- Different signals require different responses
- Co-operation means working together towards the same goal
- Everyone's contribution is important for group success
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you have to hold the parachute very tightly - teach gentle grip
- Believing faster movement is always better - emphasise control and timing
- Assuming individual performance matters most - highlight group success
- Not understanding that everyone must participate - explain interdependence
- Thinking rules restrict fun - show how rules enable better activities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent changes between active and calm activities, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet break option if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured parachute, clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual signals alongside verbal cues, demonstrate all movements, use gestures for stop/start
physical disability
- Seated participation option, adaptive handles if needed, modified movements to suit ability
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting during activities, recognition of colours and numbers, spatial concepts of around/under/over
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around outside of parachute circle to observe all children, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for co-operative behaviour, listening skills, and safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in if children become over-excited, not sharing, or unsafe movements occur
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve children in demonstrations, model co-operative language throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle hands on the parachute'
- •'Work together like a team'
- •'Listen for your signal'
- •'Help your friends'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m clear area for parachute activities plus perimeter for running
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry and clear of obstacles or trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check parachute for tears or damaged handles before use
- •Ensure parachute handles are smooth with no sharp edges
- •Verify parachute is appropriate size for group number
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Children getting tangled in parachute
- •Collisions during running activities
- •Over-excitement leading to rough play
- •Slips and falls during movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear instructions about gentle handling of equipment
- •Establish one-direction running rule
- •Monitor excitement levels and calm when necessary
- •Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all children during parachute activities
- •Monitor children underneath parachute during games
- •Watch for fatigue or over-stimulation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, calm other children