Parachute Jumpers

Children are parachute jumpers who climb onto a low step, get ready, and jump onto a mat, landing with feet together and bent knees. They practice jumping down from a small height, building courage and learning to land safely.

How to play

1. Practice the landing position on the floor: feet together, bent knees, arms forward (2 min).
2. The teacher models the jump: step up, say "Ready, set, go!" and jump onto the mat (2 min).
3. Take turns jumping off the step with an adult always right beside them (5 min).
4. On landing, freeze like a statue and count to three (3 min).
5. Try spreading your arms like a parachute in the air (2 min).
6. Put the equipment away together, with the adult moving the bench (1 min).

Rules

• Only one jumper on the step at a time.
• I jump toward the mat, never backward.
• I land on my feet with bent knees.
• I step off the mat so the next jumper can go.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: sit on the edge of the step and slide onto the mat with the adult's help.
• Visual impairment: the adult holds both hands and counts "one, two, three" before the jump.
• Fear or hesitation: the child can step down onto the mat or jump from the floor—never force it.

Learning goals

• Jump down from a small height safely.
• Land with bent knees.
• Overcome fear at one's own pace.

Equipment for a class of 25

• low bench or step: 2
• gym mats: 2

Teacher tip

Keep the height at 12 inches maximum and push the mat right against the step so there's no gap. Always stand beside the jumper, not in front. Praise the attempt, not the distance.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary