|  Parachute games possess
characteristics which are both similar to and distinct from any
other area of physical activity or physical education. Not only
do they develop and combine both social and co-operative aspects
in the games but also they allow children to experience the sheer
exhilaration of coming together to bring the parachute to life.
A parachute cannot successfully be manipulated by only one, two
or three children. It is the joint co-operation of a group which
creates successful exciting and exhilarating results
Another aspect of these activities which make them distinctive
is the involvement and requirement of a major piece of equipment – a
parachute silk. These can be obtained in different sizes according
to need i.e. the number of children in the group and the size of
the room or space to be used. If funding is a problem however,
it is important to recognise that a sari silk can be used to great
advantage in a small group, or several saris can be crossed in
the centre to form a “circle” for a larger group.
You will find examples of stories, action songs, role play, music
etc which involve children moving with the parachute, going under it and on
top of it and using small equipment and toys etc with it. The number of activities which can be delivered for parachute
games are limited only by the imagination!
There are obviously a limited number of basic structures involved
in parachute games. However these can be used in a huge variety
of contexts to add interest and fun, e.g. activities can be:-
- the mastering of basic actions or structures
- produced
in different orders accompanied by story or rhyme
- accompanied
or guided by pieces of music
- put into different imaginative
situations
- put into co-operative or competitive games
- used with
small pieces of equipment
- involved in using and developing
core skills such as counting, language, colour, shape, knowledge
of the world etc
- put into everyday situations e.g. baking
a cake!
 At their heart, all parachute games are sensory. They involve touching
the parachute silk, moving beneath it or over it, lying beneath
the canopy and watching it rise and fall above them or even being
lifted in it or wrapped up like a birthday present!
For children these will be new and exciting sensations, and working
together can create unforgettable experiences and a great deal
of fun!
It is always important for the practitioner to enter into the
spirit of games and activities with the children, however, in parachute
games it is essential. The practitioner, plus any other adults
present will need to spread around the parachute and grasp it and
the games with both hands! It is a time to throw off inhibitions
and enjoy the game.
With thanks to the following for arranging and performing the
music:
John Bowman
(for Notivate Ltd)
John Gaine,
Neil Gowland,
Jacob Grant,
Vicente Jover,
Dave Mulligan,
Lincoln Noel,
|
Fiona O’Hare,
Neil Shephard,
Edward Smith,
John Smith,
Richard Smith,
Amy Whittle,
Laura Whittle,
Daniel Wright.
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