Unit Plan 26 (Grade 3 PE): Parachute Strategy & Challenges

Focus: Strengthen team planning, build cooperation, and develop persistence as students work together to complete shared parachute challenges.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Parachute Play • Group Strategy • Cooperation & Persistence)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore parachute activities as a way to move together, solve problems as a group, and build responsibility through shared success. In this unit, students begin with basic parachute lifts and waves so they can learn how to hold the parachute correctly, respond to group timing, and keep the material moving safely and smoothly. They then apply those skills in Timed Challenges, such as keeping all balls on the parachute, moving balls to a target zone, and completing a team goal challenge that requires discussion and repeated attempts. Throughout the unit, students focus on listening, cooperating, staying on task, and learning that group success comes from teamwork, encouragement, and persistence rather than from one student acting alone.

Essential Questions

• How can a group work together to solve a parachute challenge?
• Why is timing important during parachute activities?
• What does persistence look like when a group challenge is difficult?
• How can encouragement and positive teamwork help the class meet a goal?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Cooperate with a group to complete parachute tasks that require shared timing and communication.
2. Show effort, responsibility, and on-task behavior while participating in parachute activities and transitions.
3. Express enjoyment and a positive attitude while working toward group goals.
4. Demonstrate persistence by trying new strategies when a challenge does not work the first time.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S4.3b – Cooperation, Encouragement, and Teamwork Cooperate with partners and teams, share equipment, take turns, and encourage others.
  • Example: Students rotate through stations smoothly, give positive feedback to teammates, and help reset equipment.
• PE:S4.3e – Effort, Responsibility, and On-Task Behavior Show consistent effort, stay on task, and take responsibility for participation (e.g., being prepared, returning equipment, helping with cleanup).
  • Example: Students quickly transition to new activities, continue trying challenging skills, and help collect equipment at the end of class.
• PE:S5.3a – Enjoyment and Positive Attitude Express enjoyment and a positive attitude toward participating in a variety of physical activities and games.
  • Example: Students state which activities they enjoyed and show enthusiasm by actively participating.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can work with my class or group during parachute challenges.
• I can stay on task and keep trying when a challenge is hard.
• I can encourage others and help the group.
• I can show a positive attitude during team activities.