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StrongSelf Parachutes

The sky's the limit when you combine a growth mindset and parachute play!
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Colorful and engaging parachutes blend social-emotional learning (SEL) traits with their definitions, offering endless teaching possibilities. Traits include Honesty, Respect, Inclusivity, Empathy, Leadership, and Kindness. Teachers can promote valuable characteristics in students while having fun!

Constructed from durable polyester with a half-inch thick perimeter rope, this durable parachute is made to last. A reinforced center mesh piece adds to the overall durability and keeps balls in play. Double-stitched handles provide students with an easy grip. Parachute meets ASTM F963 Flammability Standard. Includes an oversized mesh bag for easy transport and storage.

Parachute Options:

  • 24’ dia, 18 panels/18 handles
  • 30’ dia, 24 panels/24 handles

 

15 Dynamic PE Activities Using StrongSelf Parachutes

The StrongSelf Parachutes from Gopher Sport are uniquely built to enhance student cooperation, coordination, and upper-body movement while ensuring exceptional durability. What makes these parachutes stand out is their "extra-strong handles with reinforced stitching and heavy-duty nylon construction", allowing for more vigorous use and long-lasting performance—ideal for both indoor and outdoor PE settings. They come in multiple sizes to accommodate various group sizes, enabling inclusive activities that strengthen physical literacy through rhythmic, manipulative, and locomotor movement. Below are 15 imaginative and effective activity ideas using the StrongSelf Parachute to teach and reinforce fundamental movement skills in fun and engaging ways.

1. Popcorn Pop-Off: Toss balls onto the parachute and have students bounce them by shaking the parachute together. Try to launch the balls off within a set time. Focus: Swinging, Pushing, Coordination.

2. Mushroom March: Students raise the parachute high and step underneath together to form a “mushroom.” March in place while holding the edge. Focus: Walking, Coordination, Cooperation.

3. Lift & Leap: On the teacher’s cue, students lift the parachute and jump as high as they can. Repeat in rhythm to music or counting. Focus: Jumping, Power Movements, Rhythm.

4. Undercover Runner Relay: Lift the parachute to form a dome. One student runs underneath to switch places with another across the circle before the parachute drops. Focus: Running, Dodging, Timing.

5. Color Call Crawl: Each student holds a section of a different color. When a color is called, that student must crawl under the parachute and emerge on the other side. Focus: Crawling, Reaction Time, Agility.

6. Hurricane Hands: Students vigorously shake the parachute to simulate a storm. Focus on using arm strength and teamwork. Focus: Pushing, Swinging, Upper-Body Coordination.

7. Balance the Bounce: Place foam or small objects on the parachute. Students must gently bounce them without letting them fall. Focus: Balancing, Precision, Manipulative Control.

8. Parachute Push-Up Party: Students hold the handles and squat or push down in sync to make the parachute “dip.” Use music to keep rhythm. Focus: Pushing, Swaying, Strength.

9. Team Tunnel Travel: Create a canopy tunnel with the parachute. Teams of 2 crawl through from one side to the other without letting it collapse. Focus: Crawling, Balance, Cooperation.

10. Blast-Off Bounce: Use beanbags or foam objects and count down from 10 to lift the parachute and “blast” them into the air. Focus: Swinging, Coordination, Timing.

11. Catch the Cloud: Toss a large foam ball onto the parachute and try to keep it airborne without it rolling off. Focus: Catching (collaboratively), Reaction Time, Teamwork.

12. Musical Waves: With music, students create waves of movement in the parachute. Change size or speed of waves to the beat. Focus: Swaying, Rhythm, Movement Control.

13. Color Crossover Chaos: Students stand at specific color sections. On cue, two colors switch places under the parachute. Focus: Running, Dodging, Coordination.

14. Silent Circle Wave: Students take turns creating a “wave” by lifting and lowering their section of the parachute silently. Others must follow in sequence. Focus: Twisting, Coordination, Focus.

15. Tidy Toss Target: Throw beanbags into the center of the parachute. Students then “toss” them off in a specific direction by moving together. Focus: Throwing, Targeting, Team Coordination.