Lesson 2 - Parachute Teamwork
Building Together in Motion
•Reception
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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How can we work together to solve challenges and help our teammates succeed?
Learning Objectives
- Apply teamwork skills to play cooperative parachute games effectively
- Use clear communication to coordinate movements and solve simple challenges
- Demonstrate turn-taking and role-swapping in group activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will work cooperatively to control parachute movements and keep balls in play
- Students will communicate effectively with partners during scarf catching activities
- Students will show understanding of teamwork by helping others succeed in group challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread flat on ground initially, check for tears or damage
Alternative: Large fabric sheets, playground parachute, or bedsheets sewn together
Different colours help with tracking and instructions
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or sponge balls
Choose bright colours for easy visibility
Alternative: Light fabric squares, tissue paper, or lightweight streamers
Medium-sized hoops work best for passing activities
Alternative: Rope circles, or large elastic bands
Choose objects that are safe and easy to handle
Alternative: Bean bags, soft toys, or foam blocks
Mark safe areas and boundaries for den game
Alternative: Playground chalk, masking tape, or spot markers
Key Vocabulary
Working together as a team to achieve a shared goal
Talking clearly to your partner or team to share ideas and help each other
Everyone in the group working together, helping each other to succeed
Thinking of different ways to complete a challenge when the first try doesn't work
A safe shelter made by two people holding hands with arms raised
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of taking turns and sharing
- Ability to follow simple group instructions
- Experience holding and moving with simple equipment
Current Skills
- Coordinated group movements with large equipment
- Partner communication during physical activities
- Problem-solving through trial and improvement
Next Steps
- More complex cooperative games with multiple objectives
- Leadership roles in group problem-solving
- Advanced communication during competitive team activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cooperation makes challenging tasks easier and more enjoyable
- Good communication helps teams succeed in physical activities
- Supporting others leads to better outcomes for everyone
- Problem-solving requires trying different solutions when first attempts don't work
- Gentle, controlled movements are safer and more effective than rough or fast movements
- Everyone has something valuable to contribute to team success
- Celebrating others' achievements builds stronger teams
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Cooperation means everyone has to do exactly the same thing' - Correction: Explain that good teams use everyone's different strengths
- Misconception: 'If someone struggles, the team fails' - Correction: Show how teams support members who need help
- Misconception: 'Louder communication is always better' - Correction: Demonstrate how clear, calm communication works best
- Misconception: 'The fastest solution is the best solution' - Correction: Emphasise that thoughtful solutions often work better than rushed ones
- Misconception: 'Competition is the opposite of cooperation' - Correction: Explain how teams can work together even in competitive situations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement as positive outlet for energy
dyspraxia
- Start with simpler coordination tasks, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for activity sequence, offer quiet zones if overstimulation occurs
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all visual demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written instructions for complex activities
physical disability
- Adapt parachute position for wheelchair users, modify throwing distances, provide alternative ways to participate in passing games
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting seconds during parachute ball challenges, recognising longer and shorter time periods, spatial awareness during movement activities
Science
Understanding forces during parachute movements, exploring how cooperation creates different effects than individual effort
PSHE
Building relationships through cooperation, managing emotions during challenging tasks, understanding how actions affect others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during parachute activities for maximum visibility, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for inclusive behaviour, cooperation quality, and safety compliance throughout all activities
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if exclusion occurs, redirect overenthusiastic movements, support struggling groups with gentle guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve confident children in demonstrations, always model the cooperative behaviour you want to see
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember gentle movements!'
- •'How can we help our teammate succeed?'
- •'Show me working together!'
- •'What could we try differently?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for parachute activities and group games, plus additional space for scarf throwing
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for parachute activities, check for any wet patches or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Inspect parachute for tears or loose handles before use
- •Ensure all balls are soft and appropriate size for age group
- •Check scarfs have no loose threads that could cause entanglement
- •Verify hoops are intact with no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during den tag warm-up
- •Tripping over parachute edges
- •Overenthusiastic movements during ball activities
- •Inappropriate use of equipment in problem-solving challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •No running policy enforced throughout lesson
- •Controlled movements emphasised in all parachute activities
- •Constant supervision during equipment-based challenges
- •Clear demonstrations of safe equipment handling
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during problem-solving activities
- •Monitor parachute activities for overexcitement
- •Watch for exclusion during group formation
- •Ensure gentle contact only during den tag game
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established (whistle or 'FREEZE' call), first aid kit accessible, clear pathway to indoor space if weather changes