Parachute play in preschool

Looking to build community in your classroom? Give parachute play a try!

Working Together with Parachute Play

Parachute play is a great way to promote teamwork and to get those large muscles moving.

The children gather around the parachute and hold on to one of the parachute handles.  If there are more children then there are handles on the parachute, the children who are not holding a handle become the ball fetchers.

The balls are all placed in the center of the parachute and then the children begin to wave their arms up and down causing the balls to pop up and off of the parachute.  The balls are very light weight so they pop up very easily.

The Popcorn Game

One game I like to play with the parachute is called the popcorn game. When all the balls are in the middle, the children say together, “Pop, Pop, Popcorn!” The children lift their arms up high whey they say word “popcorn” and then bring their arms back down. Repeat the activity again.

Circle games

Circle games are also a fun way to use the parachute. All the children hold onto the edges of the parachute and then play “Ring Around the Rosie.”

Other Ways to Build Large Motor Skills

When planning your lesson plans, don’t forget to give your students plenty of large motor (also referred to as gross motor) activities to master. Children who are in full time childcare really need teachers to spend the time helping them practice such skills as skipping, jumping, marching, balancing, running, stretching, and more.

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

Spin-around game

Your children will love to play invented games together in the preschool classroom! My students love, and I mean love, playing all kinds of large

Read More »

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Latest Blog Posts

P is for Pizza!

While learning about the letter “P” we decided to explore with pizza! Pizza is an all-time favorite food for many preschoolers, and activities involving pizza

Read More »