The Mood Parachute

The whole group holds the parachute and moves it with the feeling the teacher calls: happy, sad, angry, scared or calm. It builds group coordination and shared expression of feelings.

How to play

1. Everyone around the parachute, holding it with both hands. Move it slowly to get to know it (2 min).
2. Happy parachute: shake it fast and jump; put the ball on top and make it dance (2 min).
3. Sad parachute: lower it slowly to the floor and crouch down with it (2 min).
4. Angry parachute: shake it hard up and down like a storm, then stop all at once (2 min).
5. Scared parachute: tremble a little and all hide underneath together for a moment (2 min).
6. Calm parachute: slow, gentle waves, then let it float softly down to the floor (2 min).

Rules

• I hold the parachute with both hands.
• We all do the same thing together.
• Under the parachute, I move slowly and don't push.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair holds on from their spot and the group lowers the parachute so they can reach.
• Autism: warn before going underneath and allow staying outside holding on.
• Visual impairment: have a buddy beside them to announce changes and start the parachute slowly.

Learning goals

• Coordinate movement with the whole group.
• Express feelings through force and speed.
• Enjoy a cooperative game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Play parachute: 1
• Foam ball: 1

Teacher tip

No parachute? A big bedsheet works. In the angry parachute, really mark the sudden stop: they love it and it shows them anger can be braked.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary