Lesson Created by Tim Mueller — @MuellerTimPE
Instant Activity: Parachute Dance
Students in groups of 5–7 gather around a mini-parachute. Play a dance song and have students move together to the music using the parachute. Encourage creativity while still working together.
Lesson Objectives:
- Improve catching skills (stationary and moving).
- Strengthen teamwork and communication.
- Practice listening and following directions.
Equipment & Safety Notes:
- Best to use Gopher Rubber Critters, Beanie Babies, or stuffed animals (safe for catching).
- Maintain enough space between parachute groups to avoid interference.
- Encourage safe movement when running to catch a critter — no diving or sliding.
Lesson Activities:
Individual Critter Catch
- One student from each team picks a critter from the pile and places it on the parachute.
- The team works together to launch the critter off the parachute for that student to catch.
- After a successful catch, the student returns the critter to the pile.
- Another student then picks a new critter and repeats the challenge.
- Continue until every team member has caught a critter.
- Once everyone has completed the challenge, teams move on to the Two Critter Catch.
Two Critter Catch
- Two students each pick out a critter, place them on the parachute, and then move away
- The team launches two critters, and both students must catch one at the same time.
- After a successful round, two new students pick out new critters and become the catchers.
- When all team members have caught a critter, teams advance to the Three Critter Catch.
Three Critter Catch
- Same procedure as the Two Critter Catch, but with three students and three critters.
Four to Six Critter Catch
- Same procedure, but now all students launch and then let go to catch their assigned critter.
Parachute Critter Pop and Catch
- Teams begin with one critter on the parachute.
- The group pops the critter up (at least above head height of all team members) and catches it back on the parachute.
- Each time they succeed, one new critter is added. Critter is returned and two new ones are brought back.
- Teams can build up to 10 or more critters.
- Rule: No one may let go of the parachute with their hands during the launch and catch.
Parachute Volleyball-Style Critter Catch
- Pair up parachute teams with one critter on each parachute.
- Both teams launch it over an imaginary net at the same time for the other team to catch.
- Every successful catch on a parachute over the imaginary net is a point. (Play to a set score or within a time limit.)
- Rule: No one may let go of the parachute with their hands during the launch and catch.
- Variation: Add one more critter to the parachutes with each successful double catch.
Circle Parachute Critter Pass Challenge
- Teams form a circle with their parachutes, and each team has a critter on their parachute.
- As a group, try to pass each critter to the next parachute around the circle at the same time.
- Teams must all launch at the same time. Let teams be in charge of communicating when to launch.
Closing Discussion Questions:
- What were some of the challenges of working as a team?
- What key qualities did your team demonstrate to be successful today?
- How does “accountability” apply to these activities?
