Parachute Cat and Mouse

A mouse crawls under the parachute while a cat, also crawling, tries to find it from on top of the canopy. The rest of the class makes waves to hide the mouse. Students practice perception, teamwork, and handling the excitement of the game.

How to play

1. The class sits around the parachute holding the edge. Practice small, fast ripples close to the floor (2 min).
2. The teacher picks a mouse, who crawls under the canopy, and a cat, who crawls on top. The mouse gets a 10-second head start.
3. Everyone else shakes the parachute so the cat can't spot the mouse. The cat has 45 seconds to tag the mouse with a hand through the fabric.
4. After a tag or when time runs out, both return to the edge and a new pair goes. Play for 8 minutes, about 8 pairs.
5. Last 5 minutes: two mice and two cats at once, so more students are involved.

Rules

• The cat and mouse always crawl: no jumping or diving on the parachute.
• The cat tags with an open hand, no squeezing or hitting.
• Keep ripples low, never above shoulder height.
• Everyone gets a turn as a cat or a mouse at least once.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: be the cat from outside the circle, pointing with a pole to where the mouse is.
• Shyness or autism: be a mouse first with a partner, with a heads-up before the turn.
• Fitness level: shorten rounds to 30 seconds for students who tire from crawling.

Learning goals

• Locate a classmate using clues from the moving parachute.
• Work with the group to change the rhythm of the waves.
• Enjoy the game whether you win or lose the round.

Equipment for a class of 25

• play parachute: 1

Teacher tip

Remind the cat to crawl without stepping on the hands of students at the edge. Keep a turn list so no one gets left out.

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