Breathing Parachute
The whole class holds the parachute and raises and lowers it very slowly in time with a shared breath, as if the parachute were breathing. Then, taking turns, half the class rests underneath a floating cloud of fabric. It builds breathing control and teamwork.
How to play
- Spread out the parachute and have students stand around it, holding it with both hands at waist height (1 min).
- Parachute breathing: when you say "Breathe in," they slowly raise it overhead over 4 counts; on "Breathe out," they lower it over 4 counts. 6 times (90 sec).
- Do 6 more without your voice: the group has to stay together just by watching the parachute (90 sec).
- Split the class in half. The first half lies on their backs under the parachute with eyes closed while the other half gently floats it at mid-height like a cloud (90 sec).
- Switch: the second half lies down and the first half moves the cloud (90 sec).
- Ending: everyone sits around the edge, lowers the parachute to the floor, smooths it with their hands, and takes three silent breaths together (1 min).
Rules
- The parachute always moves slowly; no shaking or snapping.
- No one lets go suddenly while classmates are underneath.
- Students underneath stay lying still until the switch signal.
- Hold the parachute with your hands, never wrapping it around wrists or arms.
Variations
Easier
Do only the parachute breathing, with the teacher always counting out loud.
Standard
Guided breathing, unguided breathing, and the cloud in two halves.
Harder
Stretch each rise and fall to 6 counts and place a light ball in the center that must roll without falling off.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student holds the parachute from a wheelchair and, during their cloud turn, the parachute floats over them while they stay seated.
- Autism or fear of being underneath: the student can keep holding the edge in both halves or lie with only their legs under the fabric.
- Fitness level: students who tire holding their arms up can raise the parachute just to chest height.
Learning goals
- Match their breathing to a shared group rhythm.
- Coordinate with classmates to move a large object.
- Enjoy a moment of relaxation while others take care of them.
Equipment for a class of 25
- play parachute: 1
Teacher tip
Make sure the floor is clean and smooth for the lying-down part. If students giggle a lot under the fabric, lower the cloud and switch to whispering.
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