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Parachute Adapted Activity Guide

Written By Linda Carr

Introduction

The parachute has come a long way since the P.E. teacher first used a white or green one in class. It is used to increase fitness, develop dance skills, cooperation and just to have fun! Over the years the parachutes have gotten colorful, acquired handles and become a part of virtually every teacher's curriculum. This guide is designed to help you and your students get the most from your parachute in an adapted environment.

Safety: When initiating or completing an activity during which participants are on top of the parachute, make sure the parachute is flat on the ground so participants can enter and leave the area safely.

Objectives: The parachute can be used to add a fun element to a fitness workout, and students generally don't even realize they're working on fitness! By using the parachute, dances become challenges to the participant. Cooperation is a skill everyone can work on and can be facilitated with a fun factor using the parachute.

Games and Activities

Basic Parachute

Before starting any activity with the parachute determine what your commands are going to be. They need to be concise and easily understood. Some teachers find that they reduce the tendency for students to jerk and move the parachute by maintaining a constant wave while students are waiting for the next command. Every command begins with "everybody" to signal an action.
Example:

Note: Velcro® can be used to connect parachute by handle to participant's wheelchair for appropriate activities.

Cat 'N' Mouse

Class on knees or seated around the parachute making the parachute ripple. One person (mouse) moves around under the parachute on their hands and knees (or rolling). Two students (cats) crawl (on hands and knees) around on top of the parachute trying to trap (not squish) the mouse. The object is for the cats to trap the mouse while those students surrounding the parachute cooperate to hide the mouse. Use of a time limit may be necessary to stop the fun!

Shark Attack

The class, seated around parachute, extends their legs under the chute, makes ocean waves (ripples) while 2 students (lifeguards) walk the beach (walk around behind looking for persons going under). There are 1 or 2 students (sharks) under the parachute trying to pull swimmers under by their legs. If legs are pulled, swimmers let go of the parachute, throw their arms up and holler "help." Lifeguards attempt to save them by grasping hands and trying to pull them back on shore. If the swimmer is pulled under to their armpits or neck, the shark has won the battle for the swimmer. Swimmers become sharks once under the ocean (parachute).
Jaws version: One shark is under the chute and when they gently pull a seated player under by their leg, the players exchange positions until everyone has had a chance.
Note: If a wheelchair-bound participant can maintain seated balance independently, seat them on large carpet square which the shark can pull on to take them under.

Numbers Race

Divide class into 2 equal teams, and have each team number off, 1, 2, 3, etc. Position each team around one half of the parachute. On signal, inflate the chute and listen carefully to the number "1" call. The player on each team whose number is called, runs as carefully and quickly as they can in a counter clockwise (or clockwise) direction around the outside of the chute. Ask students, "Can you return to your place before the center of the chute touches the ground? Can you make it to your spot as the center touches?"
Note: For other options, use colors rather than numbers, or have students run as partners.

Bait The Trap

Equipment: 1 ball that just fits through the hole in the middle of the chute.
The class (hungry cats) stands around parachute (mousetrap) and figure out how to get the ball (cheese) to go through the hole. When the ball goes through, a student (mouse selected beforehand) has to try to get the cheese and get out before the cats can spring the trap.
Mousetrap version: Choose several "mice" (by number, etc.) who try to cross under the inflated chute and out the other side before the "cats" can seal the chute to the floor, and trap them. Students (cats) must wait until they hear the signal "trap."
Note: For students with balance/mobility difficulties require only that they get the cheese prior to being trapped.

Fish Tank

This game can be a visual challenge for students! Remind them that the floor is hard under those soft-looking waves.
Equipment: 3 to 5 inflated balloons for "fish food."
The class stands around chute with middle (1/2 the parachute) touching the floor. They will make waves in the "tank" for the "fish." There should be 3 to 5 students (fish) on top of the parachute. The fish may move in any safe (or designated) way around their "tank" hitting the balloons (fish food). Fish may be directed to touch a number of balloons, certain colors, etc. during their time in the tank. At the end of their swim time, the students outside the tank lower the parachute and "clean the fish tank out."

7 Jumps - World Of Dance

Using the same music, have students do sequential steps or movements around the parachute. The group stands around parachute with parachute waist high. During the chorus, have participants circle clockwise 8 steps and counter clockwise 8 steps. Dance starts with chorus:

Options:

Travel only in one direction on chorus.
Possible modification from BIG wave on BIG wave-raise to chin. Touch knees and "stuff" the parachute in bellybutton.
Raise above heads, touch knees. Step forward and pull down, touch toes.
Use slower version of music.

Carrousel Merry-Go-Round

Folkraft-F-1183 B. Appropriate for K-1
In this singing game the participants imitate a merry-go-round that starts slowly and picks up speed.
Song:

Chorus:

Formation: Have group evenly spaced around parachute, grasping it as they stand facing the center of parachute. As the music starts they will slide clockwise (to the left) with the music. During the chorus, continue sliding clockwise but to an increased tempo.
Options:

Have students whose names are called run counter clockwise of the merry-go-round and get back on.
Have students whose names are called run away from parachute, get ball, balloon, etc. and come back, placing object on parachute.
Have students walk facing direction of travel.
Partner students in wheelchairs with peers.