Parachute Activities
Game parachutes are excellent,
not only for playing many team and individual
games, but for defining the boundaries for a
group of children. Seating either on or near the
edges of a grounded parachute assembles the
group into a very symmetrical and even circle.
WARNING: Do not allow any
activities wherein someone is lifted off the
ground using the parachute. Not only is this
very hard on the parachute, but it is extremely
dangerous for many, many reasons!
here are a few games that can be
played using the parachute:
Change places
Go around the circle counting and assigning
each person a number between 1 and 5 or 1 and 6.
Lift and lower the parachute such that it
billows up and down. As it reaches the third
peak shout out one of the numbers. Those with
the numbers have to swap places under the canopy
before it falls back to the ground. Tell them to
keep their eyes open and avoid bumping into each
other. Ask those who remain around the edge
allow the canopy to let it fall naturally rather
than pulling it down.
Spin the parachute
Pass the handles of the parachute from one to
the other as fast as possible to spin it around.
Call out which direction to pass it, then change
in the middle and have it passed the other
direction
Chute the Ball
Put a light beach ball on the parachute.
Different games to play with this are to see how
high you can bounce it with the parachute, or to
see how many times it can be rotated around the
parachute before it falls to the ground
The Inner Circle
After raising the parachute a few times,
everyone steps inside, bringing the edge behind
their back, either to shoulder height or to
ground level with each person sitting on the
edge of the parachute. This creates a tent with
everybody inside the canopy. This is useful for
getting everybody's attention, for telling
stories, etc.
Circle games
Use the parachute as a base for any circle
game, using the parachute to maintain the circle
form. These sort of games usually consist of one
or more people racing around the circle and back
to their space, or to any free space.
Round and Round
If your parachute has a hole in the center,
place 3 or 4 light small, light balls (like
tennis balls) on the surface and keep them
moving around the canopy avoiding them dropping
through the hole.
Knock-off
The canopy is held tight at chest height with
2 or 3 foam footballs on the surface. 3 or 4
children underneath the canopy have to try to
knock the balls off whilst those around the
canopy try to keep them on with their spare
hand.
Sharks and
Lifeguards
Everyone sits on the ground With their legs
stretched out under the canopy and the canopy
held at chest height. One person crawls around
under the canopy and is the 'shark'. Another is
outside the perimeter and is the Lifeguard. The
shark secretly grabs the legs of anyone around
the perimeter and attempts to pull them under
the canopy. The lifeguard attempts to rescue
them before they are completely pulled under.If
they get pulled under, they too become a shark.
If they are rescued they become a lifeguard. The
game ends when there are not enough players on
the perimeter to hold the parachute taut.
Football
This works best if the canopy is marked in
segments or halves; i.e. 2,4 or 6 teams. Stand
around the canopy holding the canopy in both
hands at waist level. It can be rippled up and
down while holding it.
Roll a football tinder the canopy. The canopy
must be held tight at all times and the ball
kicked around under the canopy. A goal is scored
when it comes out on any side. |
