The Giant Mushroom
Children inflate the parachute and walk together toward the middle so the fabric floats above them like the cap of a giant mushroom. It builds group coordination, timing and the joy of achieving something together.
How to play
- In a circle, talk about what a mushroom looks like: a stem and a round cap; today we'll make one with the parachute (1 min).
- Practice the balloon: crouching with the fabric on the ground, on three we stand up and lift our arms high (2 min).
- Make the mushroom: when the fabric is up, take three steps toward the middle with arms stretched and look at the floating cap (3 min).
- Before it comes down, take three steps back and the mushroom closes (2 min).
- Make a slow mushroom and a fast mushroom, and the last time stay underneath until the fabric gently touches our heads (2 min).
Rules
- Everyone lifts their arms at the same time.
- Three steps to the middle, no more.
- No pushing under the mushroom.
- When the fabric comes down, hold it gently.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, make the mushroom with only two steps and the teacher counts out loud very slowly.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use three steps and try both the slow and the fast mushroom.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, while the mushroom is up, the teacher calls a color and those children let go, walk once around the stem inside and return to their spot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair stays in place holding a long piece of fabric and the others walk toward them; they still get to enjoy the cap.
- Autism: if being underneath feels overwhelming, the child can be the "gardener" outside the circle and count the steps out loud.
- Visual impairment: describe what is happening ("the fabric is up, it's a colorful roof") and hold their hand as they walk in.
Learning goals
- Coordinate their own movement with the group's.
- Time when to step in and when to step back.
- Enjoy reaching a goal together.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
Teacher tip
The mushroom works best with no wind against you and no low ceiling. The usual mistake is running into the middle and bumping, so say "three mouse steps" and walk with them.
PatioLab has "The Giant Mushroom" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
"Al Pasar la Barca" Parachute Rowing
Sitting around the parachute, children row by pulling the fabric toward them and letting it go toward the middle to the rhythm of the traditional Spanish song "Al pasar…
"Corro de la Patata" Parachute Circle
Children circle with the parachute while singing the traditional Spanish song "Al corro de la patata" (Potato Circle), and on "achupé, achupé" everyone sits down…
"El Patio de Mi Casa" Parachute Song
Children sing the traditional Spanish ring song "El patio de mi casa" while circling with the parachute and lowering it to the ground on "agáchate" (squat down).
"Que Llueva" Parachute Rain
Using the traditional Spanish children's song "Que llueva, que llueva" (Let It Rain), children make rain, clouds and sun with the parachute, and some hide underneath as…
«A la Zapatilla por Detrás»: The Slipper Behind Your Back
Sitting in a circle with eyes covered, one child walks around the outside with a slipper singing the traditional Spanish rhyme «A la zapatilla por detrás» («the…
«A Tapar la Calle»: The Chain That Blocks the Street
Half the class forms a hand-in-hand chain that walks forward singing the traditional Spanish song «A tapar la calle» («Block the street so nobody passes»), while the…