The Parachute Breathes With Us

Children lift the parachute very slowly while breathing in through the nose and lower it while breathing out through the mouth, as if the fabric were breathing with them. It builds mindful breathing and relaxation at the end of the session.

How to play

1. Sitting or kneeling around the fabric, the teacher explains that the parachute is tired and we're going to help it breathe (1 min).
2. Breathe in through the nose as we lift the fabric very slowly, then lower it breathing out through the mouth like blowing out a candle (1 min).
3. Repeat even more slowly, quietly counting to three going up and three going down (1 min).
4. Breathe with eyes closed, feeling the fabric move in our hands (1 min).
5. Lay the fabric on the ground, put hands on our tummies and feel them rise and fall on their own (1 min).

Rules

• Lift and lower very slowly.
• Air goes in through the nose and out through the mouth.
• Speak softly or stay quiet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair does the movement from their lap; the breathing is what matters.
• Autism: if closing eyes feels uncomfortable, the child can look at one spot on the fabric.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher marks the rhythm with a hand rising and falling where everyone can see.

Learning goals

• Become aware of their own breathing.
• Link slow movement with feeling calm.
• Relax as a group at the end of the session.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Rainbow parachute: 1

Teacher tip

Lower your voice and pace before you start; if they come in wound up, sit in silence for a few seconds first. The usual mistake is blowing hard, so ask them to "blow the candle without putting it out."

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