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Lesson 1 - Parachute Games

Playful Object Control Skills

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Reception

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Manipulation & Coordination

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to create amazing parachute movements?

Learning Objectives

To participate in a variety of parachute games as part of a team
To listen carefully and follow multi-step instructions
To develop manipulation and coordination skills through group activities

Key Outcomes

Students will hold and manipulate a parachute safely with others
Students will follow instructions to participate in parachute games
Students will work cooperatively to create different movements and effects

Equipment & Resources Required

Parachutes

Check parachute is clean and handles are secure before use

Alternative: Large bedsheet if parachute unavailable

Soft Dodgeballs

3-5

Ensure balls are soft and safe for throwing activities

Alternative: Bean bags, light playground balls

Balls

10-15

Scatter around area for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft toys, foam shapes

Music Player

Ensure volume allows for clear instructions to be heard

Alternative: Teacher singing, percussion instrument

Key Vocabulary

Parachute

A large circular piece of fabric with handles that we use for group games

Waves

Up and down movements that look like water waves

Inflate

To fill with air and make bigger, like a balloon

Cooperate

Working together as a team to achieve something

Rhythm

A regular pattern of movement or sound

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following simple instructions
Experience holding hands in a circle
Basic gross motor skills and coordination

Current Skills

Coordinated group movement with equipment
Multi-step instruction following
Cooperative play and turn-taking

Next Steps

More complex parachute games with multiple objects
Leading and teaching others
Creating own parachute game variations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains grip on parachute throughout activities

Responds appropriately to verbal instructions within 3 seconds

Works cooperatively without conflict during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Always maintain two-handed grip on parachute handles for safety and control
Establish clear safety rules before starting any parachute activities
Use gradual progression from simple waves to complex games
Emphasise teamwork and cooperation throughout all activities
Monitor group coordination and adjust pace accordingly
Keep instructions clear and use consistent verbal cues
Create calm, safe atmosphere especially during dome activities

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they need to make big movements immediately - start small and build up
Believing individual effort is more important than team cooperation - emphasise group work
Assuming louder or faster is better - demonstrate control and coordination
Not understanding cause and effect of their movements on parachute - make connections explicit
Thinking they can let go during games - constantly reinforce grip importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles, include movement breaks between sitting activities

dyspraxia

Extra practice with grip and coordination, break down movements into smaller steps, provide physical support if needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear sequence cards, offer sensory break if dome feels overwhelming, maintain consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of parachute movements, ensure child has secure partner support, describe spatial positions clearly

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures, ensure child can see teacher demonstrations, use vibrations from parachute for feedback

physical disability

Adapt grip for different hand abilities, consider seated position around parachute, modify movements as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting activities during dome challenges, size concepts with small/medium/large waves, number bonds practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of the parachute circle to observe all children, position to intervene quickly if needed

Observation Focus

Watch for secure grip on handles, coordinated movement with group, safe behaviour during running games

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if children lose control during activities or show unsafe behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Show all movements clearly and slowly first time, use exaggerated movements for visibility, maintain enthusiastic energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Hold tight with both hands!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Listen for your name!'
•'Gentle movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gymnasium space, minimum 15m x 12m clear area

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check parachute handles are secure and not damaged
•Ensure all balls and bean bags are soft and appropriate size
•Verify parachute fabric is clean and without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Children colliding when running under parachute
•Losing grip on handles during vigourous movements
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour
•Feeling claustrophobic inside parachute dome

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety rules established before starting
•Gradual progression from simple to complex activities
•Constant supervision during running games
•Emergency exit procedure for dome activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during activities
•Move around group during games to monitor closely
•Pay special attention during under-parachute running

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any child appears distressed, clear procedure for exiting dome quickly, first aid access available