Ideas for Parachute Games in Early Childhood
Large colorful, lightweight parachutes have become a welcome addition to classroom play equipment in public schools and other educational outlets, such as Mommy and Me classes. There are a number of ways to incorporate the parachutes into learning and physical activities for children. Since most children enjoy the novelty of the parachutes, they don't even realize they are learning or exercising while playing with them.
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Popcorn
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While this game may seem just like silly fun, it can actually help young children learn how to count. Start by placing a number of different colored lightweight plastic balls or beanbags on the parachute. Have the children sit around the edge of the parachute and grab its edge. On cue, the children shake the parachute vigorously for a few seconds, then have someone yell, "Stop." Ask the children to count the number of different colored balls or beanbags that are left on the parachute. Repeat the process until all balls or beanbags have been tossed from the parachute.
Color Swap
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Have the children line up around a parachute and have each stand in front of a specific color. If the children are very young, show them the color they are standing in front of and say, "James, you are red because that is the color you are holding on the parachute." Next, explain that when you yell a name of a color, all of the children who are not holding that color are to lift the parachute high in the air so that it forms an umbrella shape. The children who have the named color must then run under the parachute and find the same color on the other side before the parachute comes down again. Repeat.
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Balls and Wave
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This wave activity with a parachute is a good way to teach children about coordination and teamwork. Place a large, lightweight ball on a parachute being held taut by the children. The object is to have the ball roll around the circle without falling off of the parachute. Each child needs to lower his arms gently as the ball approaches and then raise them up again once the ball has rolled past, which creates a gentle wave action. Children need to work together and with smooth movements to make the ball go completely around the circle without falling off or backtracking.
Parachute Tent
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Have the children stand in a big circle holding the parachute. Ask them to start a rippling wave with the parachute by raising and lowering their arms higher and higher. As the parachute gets more air underneath it, it will start to balloon upwards. Tell the children that after you count to three, they are all to make one step forward and then sit down at the same time inside of the parachute, while holding the handles behind them. The ballooning parachute will create a temporary tent over the children before slowly collapsing around them. Most children enjoy finding themselves inside a colorful balloon.
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