Parachutes are a great addition to any game session when working with children. They teach teamwork, cooperation, strength, agility, body movements, coordination, and endurance. It encourages positive cooperative group experiences. A group 6 to 40 can play.
History tells that parachutes were originally used for very different purposes. They were used for the safety of a pilot or passengers falling out of the plane allowing people to fall safely to the earth and dropping off supplies in wartime and disasters. Daredevils of the past and present used parachutes to float safely down to earth. Parachutes were even essential for airplanes. They were used as brakes to reduce the ground speed of heavy aircraft and the space shuttle.
Even when players are playing against each other, they have to work together toward a creative end. They must share the parachute. This is good practice for group sports who must share equipment. This gives a more cooperative feel to the game instead of people always fighting over that has control of the equipment. Most parachute games do not involve competition at all. They play to share one goal; to have fun.
Parachutes also teach self-discipline and creative expression. They are helpful with the strengthening of the biceps, triceps, forearms, back, and the deltoids. The exercises also work the entire shoulder girdle. Sometimes you can even involve other parts of the body such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves when doing parachute games.
You can perform isometric, rhythm and locomotion skills while using the parachute. Games are very flexible with the parachute. You can play from five minutes to over an hour depending on your needs. They are for all abilities levels and can be played for quiet or noisy games. They work well with many abilities and special needs are great to use in coeducational settings. They lead to imagination.
Parachutes can be played anywhere. But a group exercise instructor needs to remember that whatever game they are playing that certain games work best with different kinds of surfaces. Safety should proceed with any type of parachute play.
You can use a variety of grips when using the parachute. Grips can be done with one or two hands, underhand, overhand or crossed. It makes the games more exciting when the motions are varied.
When lifting the parachute you should lift it in a 1, 2, 3, count. Lower and get all of the air out by pulling toward you. Start in a squat position on the feet so it is easier to stand up and less pressure on the back. Be sure to stretch arms upward and reach full height to make the parachute go higher. Emphasize the importance of all lifting at the same time. Be sensitive though if different sizes/ ages of students are using the parachute. Safety is most important when doing parachute play.
• Terms are very important in parachute play. Terms such as inflate, deflate, float, dome, and mushroom need to be addressed.
• Inflate means to lift the mushroom over your head, and deflate means to let the parachute go into a flat position.
• Float is when the parachute is in the air and above the student’s deltoids and back.
• A mushroom starts with the group preparing to lift it over their heads. The leader counts off to three and the students lift it over their head. With the direction of the leader, the students walk three or four steps toward the center.
At the game leader’s request the group can change the direction to a dome by having the students lower the parachute together to the ground, the children together go under it, and it becomes a dome.
Parachute activities need to be repeated so that children have a chance to learn the game. But a game leader needs to be sensitive to know when the activity is exhausted. Each group or set of children you work with will be different. Give students opportunities to be a leader by having them explain rules of parachute games to students who have never played the particular activity with the parachute.
Objects can be used when using the parachute. Some items include a soft foam ball, a beach ball, or volleyball. Frisbees and ropes can be used as well. They can be easily stored in a duffle bag. Heavy balls such as medicine balls should not be used. They can tear the parachute. Beanbags are also useful. If you use a small parachute, be sure that the objects you use for the middle of the parachute are lightweight and small.
When doing parachute play the trainer needs to think ahead. It is important that they have the supplies that they need ahead of time. This will allow the group to focus on the activity and not on the process of gathering the equipment. You can even take part of the session by have the different members take charge of gathering the equipment.
When playing teams let the leader, decide who is on each team by numbering, birthdays, or another non-threatening form of delegation.
Discipline is essential in any form of playing. Be sure to let the children know the rules and the consequences for deliberate inappropriate action. Having a child sit out for round can be very effective. If a child is active have, they them be your special assistant. Never force someone to parachute play. Instead, have them sit out and watch the group from a comfortable distance. Periodically encourage them to join in.
Games that students can play include the following.
Mushroom
Start with the parachute on ground at your signal lift up the heads, arms extend and then down.
Ostrich
Make a mushroom, on a given command pull the chute down hard behind the student, and only put your head under the parachute.
Igloo
Make a mushroom, take a step underneath the parachute, pull it down behind oneself, and sit down on the edge of the chute.
Cat and Mice
Have three children go under the parachute and pretend to be mice. The rest of the group are cats and see if they can see the mice as they are crawling under the parachute.
Other activities that can be done with the parachute or skipping, galloping, sliding, drawing steps or grapevine steps around the parachute. You can also practice left and right skills walking with the parachute. Shaking the rug and making waves is another favorite activity. Add soft balls to the parachute and you can make an imaginary popcorn machine. Music adds to the fun atmosphere of using a parachute.
Important things to remember when using the parachute are that children need to rest often after shaking or pulling the parachute. They like to lie down and cover with the parachute. Beware of tangles when the students release the parachute because someone will be caught and fall. Do not allow people to walk on the parachute, as it is slick. To turn the parachute over, have one side walk over to the other side, hand their hand to those standing, and reach over the parachute for the other side. Never allow a child to go on the parachute when it is floating and toss them up in the air.
Parachutes are great addition to any training program. A good group instructor uses safety, creativity, and imagination to encourage healthy play.
Suggested References:
Hodgin, Duane Parachute Play, Methods of Teaching Physical Education 1991
(Limited reference: I was given this handout in college and my instructor no longer is at the school.)
Gabbard, Carl Physical Education for Children: Building the Foundation, Prentice-Hall, 1987
Gallahue, David L. Developmental Physical Education for Today’s Elementary School Children, Macmillan, 1987
Hall, J. Tillman Physical Education in the Elementary School, Goodyear Publishing Company, 1980
Lefevre, Dale. The New Parachute Games Video, New Games 2002
Lefevre, Dale and Strong, Todd. Parachute Games, Human Kinetics 1996.
Stewart, Georgiana Liccione. Playtime Parachute fun for Early Childhood, Kimbo Music, 1977
Stewart, Georgiana. A World of Parachute Play, Kimbo Music, 1997
Web Resources
Great ideas for Parachutes
http://www.ccinfoline.8k.com/parachute_games.htm
Parachute Ideas
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/pe/pa...e/contents.htm
Parachute Lesson Plan Page
http://schools.eastnet.ecu.edu/pitt/ayden/physed8.htm
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