OECS Logo
Back to Games Unit Activities

Cooperative Game: Parachute Play

20 minutes
Whole Class
Cooperative

Learning Objectives

  • Experience cooperative play
  • Work together toward common goal
  • Develop gross motor skills
  • Celebrate teamwork success

Preparation

  • Find large parachute or sheet
  • Choose open space for activity
  • Have soft balls ready
  • Select energetic music if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1
    Have everyone hold edge of parachute
  2. 2
    Practice gentle up and down movements together
  3. 3
    Add soft ball - try to keep it bouncing on parachute
  4. 4
    Celebrate when everyone works together
  5. 5
    Try different movements: fast, slow, high, low
  6. 6
    Add more balls for extra challenge
  7. 7
    End with everyone under parachute for 'mushroom'
  8. 8
    Discuss how teamwork made the activity fun

Materials Needed

  • Large parachute or sheet
  • Soft balls
  • Upbeat music (optional)

Assessment

  • Child participates in cooperative activity
  • Child works with others toward common goal
  • Child shows excitement about teamwork
  • Child follows group movements

Key Vocabulary

cooperate
teamwork
together
parachute
bounce
team
success

Safety Notes

  • Ensure all children can hold parachute safely
  • Use only soft balls
  • Monitor for overexcitement

Teaching Tips

  • Emphasize cooperation over competition
  • Celebrate group successes enthusiastically
  • Include all children in holding parachute
  • Keep energy positive and fun

Extensions

  • Try parachute games with different objectives
  • Use parachute for other cooperative activities
  • Discuss other times we work as team
  • Create class teamwork goals
Back to All ActivitiesNext Activity