Unit Plan 5 (Grade 3 PE): Parachute Team Games
Boost Grade 3 teamwork with parachute games that build timing, coordination, space awareness, cooperation, and safe, positive group movement.
Focus: Build cooperation, strengthen timing and group coordination, and help students move safely and positively in shared team-based parachute activities.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Physical Education (Parachute Games • Teamwork • Timing & Space Awareness)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students explore parachute play as a cooperative way to move, communicate, and work together as one group. In this unit, students begin with parachute waves, mushroom, and walk-under so they can practice grip, timing, listening, and safe shared movement around the parachute. They then apply those skills in Cat & Mouse, Popcorn, and Color Call parachute games, where success depends on moving together, responding to cues, and helping the whole group stay organized. Throughout the unit, students focus on shared rhythm, awareness of space, encouraging teammates, and showing a positive attitude while trying a variety of group games.
Essential Questions
- How can I help a group move the parachute safely and smoothly?
- Why is timing important in parachute games?
- How can I use personal and general space safely while moving with a large group?
- What does good teamwork look like during cooperative games?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform locomotor movements with control while walking, running, and changing direction during parachute games.
- Use personal and general space effectively while moving around or under the parachute.
- Cooperate with classmates by sharing responsibilities, listening, and encouraging others.
- Demonstrate enjoyment and a positive attitude during group movement activities.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.3a – Locomotor Skills in Complex Pathways Perform locomotor skills (run, hop, jump, leap, slide, gallop, skip) with control, changing speed and direction in response to cues or game situations.
- Example: Students navigate a cone course, adjusting speed and direction while avoiding others during a tag-style warm-up.
- PE:S2.3a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use knowledge of personal and general space to find open areas, avoid collisions, and position appropriately during games.
- Example: In keep-away games, students move away from defenders to create open passing lanes.
- 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: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 help move the parachute with my class.
- I can keep safe space while moving around or under the parachute.
- I can work with others and encourage my teammates.
- I can show a positive attitude while playing group games.