PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Have you ever wanted to add a little excitement and movement to your day? If so, parachute activities are perfect! They’re enjoyable for preschoolers and up, and can be adapted to any ability level. Best of all, they’re easy to set up and require minimal preparation. Ready to try them out? Check out some of the best parachute activities for preschoolers and up!
WHAT ARE PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND UP?
Parachute activities are simply any activity that’s done with a parachute. That might sound like a pretty broad definition, but there are actually tons of different ways to use a parachute! Parachute activities can be used for games, movement, and even learning. They’re perfect for kids of all ages, and can be adapted to any ability level. No parachute? No problem, just grab ab old sheet or tarp. They work great too!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES?
There are lots of reasons why parachute activities are great for kids! Here are just a few benefits of parachute play:
– Kids learn to follow directions and instructions.
– They promote social interaction, cooperative play, and team-building.
– They learn turn-taking skills.
– Parachute activities are a great way to get kids moving and active.
– They can be used to teach a variety of concepts, from counting to colors.
-Kids can develop a sense of rhythm.
– Parachute activities are just plain fun!
HOW DO YOU SET UP PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES?
Setting up parachute activities is easy! All you need is a parachute (you can purchase one online or at a local toy store) and some willing participants. Once you have your materials, just choose an activity to try (we’ve got some great suggestions below) and you’re ready to go!
FUN PARACHUTE GAMES
Ready to try out some parachute activities with your kids? Here are a few awesome ones:
-Mushroom: Everyone holds the parachute at waist height. Then at the same time, everyone lifts up so the top of the parachute forms a mushroom-like shape. Then either hold the edges down on the floor or run inside and quickly sit on the inside edges.
– Parachute Wave: Children wave the parachute one at a time taking turns around the circle. Watch as the parachute takes on a wave motion just like ocean waves!
-Switcharoo: With the parachute being held up, the teacher calls out something the kids can have in common like birthday months. The children who have that birthday month have to run under the parachute and find an empty spot.
-Bear Hunt: Children put the parachute into a “mushroom” and then sit on the inside edge. The teacher runs around the outside pretending to be a bear. Then a child is selected to be the next bear, and they switch.
-Popcorn: Put small balls or beanbags on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute and watch them bounce around!
-Parachute Tag: One child is “it” and has to try to tag the others who are running around or sitting on the inside of the parachute.
STORYTELLING PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES
Parachutes also make great props for stories! Here are a few ways to use them:
-As a Cave: Hold the parachute up in a mushroom shape. Crawl inside and tell a story about spelunking or being in a dark cave.
-As an Ocean: Place small plastic animals on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute up and down to make waves. Then tell a story about an ocean adventure!
-As a Magic Carpet: Have the kids hold on to the edges of the parachute. Then tell a story about flying around the world on a magical carpet!
Imagination Action Journeys
PARACHUTE MUSIC AND MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Parachutes aren’t just for games and stories – they can also be used for music and movement activities! Here are a few of the best:
– Parachute Dance: Put on some upbeat music and let the kids dance around the parachute. Encourage them to lift it up, wave it, and jump under it!
– Parachute Drum: Place a small drum or tamborine in the center of the parachute. Have the kids hold the edges and then gently move it up and down to make music.
-Match That Music: The music is turned on and children try to match the type of music they hear. If it’s a fast tempo, they can shake the parachute quickly. Classical music works great for this activity!
-Freeze Dance Party: Shake the parachute while the music plays. Stop as quickly as possible when it turns off. Begin the music again, and start over.
-Singing Songs: Sing some of your favorite songs. Add interactive parts like when you reach the chorus, everyone runs under. When you get back to a verse, everyone comes back out.
Movement Songs
EDUCATIONAL PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES
Parachutes can also be used for educational activities! Here are a few great educational ideas:
– Colors: Children can identify colors as they wave the parachute around.
– Counting: Have the kids count how many times they can wave the parachute in the air.
– Shapes: Children can identify shapes as they wave the parachute around. The teacher can hold up different shapes under the parachute and the kids have to identify them.
– Letters: Children can identify letters as they wave the parachute around. The teacher can make letter sounds for the children to identify or hold up flashcards.
– Opposites: have the kids wave the parachute slowly for “slow” and quickly for “fast.” Other examples are “high and low” and “under or over”.
WHAT SKILLS DO PRESCHOOLERS LEARN DURING PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES?
Parachute activities are great for promoting a variety of skills in preschoolers, including:
– Gross motor skills: Parachute games can be an effective gross motor activity. They help kids to develop gross motor skills as they move and play. The kids are squatting, lifting the parachute overhead, crawling and sidestepping!
– Hand-eye coordination: Children need to be able to see what they are doing as they move and play with the parachute. Toss a small ball on the parachute and the kids have to work to pop and keep it on it.
– Language and communication skills: Parachute activities provide a great opportunity for kids to work on their language development as they describe what they’re doing and give directions to others.
– Math skills: Parachute games and activities can also be used to teach simple math concepts, like numbers, shapes, and colors. Visual-spatial concepts can also be introduced with left and right, under, over, etc.
– Creative thinking: Parachute activities encourage kids to use their imaginations and come up with new ways to play.
10 Minute Yoga for Kids in the Classroom
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARACHUTE FOR MY CHILD?
When choosing a parachute for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the age and ability level of your child or students. Parachutes come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that’s appropriate for your child. Second, think about what you’ll be using the parachute for. If you’re planning on doing a lot of movement activities, look for a parachute that’s lightweight and easy to move. If you’re mostly interested in games and learning activities, any size will do!
Parachute activities are a fun way to get kids moving and engaged. They offer physical, academic, and life skills benefits. Plus, they’re just super fun! So grab a parachute, and get your kids involved.
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