Lesson 1 - Parachute Games
Playful Object Control Skills
•Reception
•Manipulation & Coordination
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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
Check parachute is clean and handles are secure before use
Alternative: Large bedsheet if parachute unavailable
Ensure balls are soft and safe for throwing activities
Alternative: Bean bags, light playground balls
Scatter around area for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft toys, foam shapes
Ensure volume allows for clear instructions to be heard
Alternative: Teacher singing, percussion instrument
Key Vocabulary
A large circular piece of fabric with handles that we use for group games
Up and down movements that look like water waves
To fill with air and make bigger, like a balloon
Working together as a team to achieve something
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
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