Parachute Stormy Sea Crossing
Most of the class makes waves with the parachute to match the sea conditions the teacher describes, while four fish cross underneath from one side to the other by crawling. Students work on floor locomotion, finding their way under the fabric, and managing their feelings.
How to play
- Arrange the class around the parachute and mark the fish's entry and exit points with two cones on opposite sides (1 min).
- Practice three sea conditions: calm (slow waves at waist height), choppy (medium waves), and storm (quick, short waves no higher than the chest) (2 min).
- Four fish enter at one cone and cross underneath to the opposite cone by army crawling, bear crawling, or log rolling; then they return to their spots and four more go (6 min).
- While they cross, the teacher calls changes in the sea and the group switches waves; fish who arrive without standing up earn the class a point (2 min).
- Add a sea turtle: one fish who crosses slowly and whom the group protects with calm waves when the teacher calls "Turtle!" (2 min).
- Finish with all the fish inside at once in a dead calm, lying under the fabric as it floats down slowly (2 min).
Rules
- Nobody steps on the fabric or stands up under the parachute.
- In a storm, waves are fast but short, never big hard swings.
- Fish cross in a straight line to their cone without bumping into other fish.
Variations
Easier
Cross only in calm seas on hands and knees, with the fabric at medium height.
Standard
Four fish per round, three sea conditions, and different ways of crawling.
Harder
Fish carry a beanbag on their back that can't fall off during the crossing.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: cross along the edge of the parachute in a wheelchair while the group makes calm waves overhead.
- Students who dislike enclosed spaces or students with autism: may call the sea conditions with the teacher or cross holding a partner's hand.
- Students with more skill: cross in a true army crawl, keeping the belly on the floor.
Learning goals
- Move by army crawling, bear crawling, and rolling with control.
- Find your way under the fabric to reach the exit point.
- Recognize and manage feelings when the waves get big.
Equipment for a class of 25
- play parachute: 1
- cones: 2
Teacher tip
Make sure the floor is clean, since students crawl. A bright cone at the exit and the teacher's voice help disoriented fish.
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