Unit Plan 27 (Grade 1 PE): Parachute Cooperation
Grade 1 PE unit using fun parachute games to build teamwork, shared timing, and cooperation while keeping students active, engaged, and enjoying movement together.
Focus: Help students build cooperative timing, shared effort, and joyful participation through fun parachute games that require listening, teamwork, and group control.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Cooperation & Respect • Enjoyment of Movement • Group Timing)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build important PE habits when they learn how to move successfully as part of a larger group. In Grade 1, parachute games are a fun way to practice working together, following shared timing, and noticing how one student’s actions affect everyone else. This unit uses parachute waves and lifts as a warm-up and then moves into playful games such as Mushroom, Popcorn, and Cat & Mouse. The goal is to help students experience that cooperation means listening, lifting together, staying with the group, and enjoying movement as a team.
Essential Questions
- How can I work together with a group during parachute games?
- What happens when everyone uses the same timing?
- How do cooperation and respect help group games work well?
- How can I show enjoyment and effort during parachute activities?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate cooperation and respect during whole-group parachute activities.
- Follow shared timing and group directions while lifting, lowering, and moving the parachute.
- Show enjoyment and enthusiasm during group movement games.
- Participate actively while helping the class complete parachute tasks successfully.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S4.1b Demonstrate cooperation and respect for others during partner and group activities.
- Example: Students take turns during skill stations and encourage teammates.
- PE:S5.1a Show enjoyment and enthusiasm when participating in physical activities.
- Example: Students actively participate and express excitement during movement games.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can work together with the class during parachute games.
- I can lift and lower the parachute with the group.
- I can use kind behavior and follow group directions.
- I can show enjoyment and try my best in parachute activities.