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Lesson 2 - Parachute Teamwork

Building Together in Motion

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Reception

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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30 min

Big Question

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

Parachutes

1-2 (depending on class size)

Spread flat on ground initially, check for tears or damage

Alternative: Large fabric sheets, playground parachute, or bedsheets sewn together

Softballs

4.5 balls per parachute

Different colours help with tracking and instructions

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or sponge balls

Scarves

1 per child

Choose bright colours for easy visibility

Alternative: Light fabric squares, tissue paper, or lightweight streamers

Hoops

1 per group of 5

Medium-sized hoops work best for passing activities

Alternative: Rope circles, or large elastic bands

Mixed Objects

1 per group

Choose objects that are safe and easy to handle

Alternative: Bean bags, soft toys, or foam blocks

Cones

6-8 markers

Mark safe areas and boundaries for den game

Alternative: Playground chalk, masking tape, or spot markers

Key Vocabulary

Cooperation

Working together as a team to achieve a shared goal

Communication

Talking clearly to your partner or team to share ideas and help each other

Teamwork

Everyone in the group working together, helping each other to succeed

Problem-solving

Thinking of different ways to complete a challenge when the first try doesn't work

Den

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

Consistently works well in a team without adult prompting

Shows empathy by adapting actions to help less confident peers

Demonstrates understanding that cooperation leads to better outcomes

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