Bedsheet parachute games: a 15-minute preschool movement activity
What it is: a gross motor and teamwork activity that uses an old flat bedsheet as a play parachute. Students hold the edges and follow simple calls to make waves, lift it high and make a mushroom, learning to move together.
Time: about 15 minutes. Grade: Pre-K (ages 4 to 5).
Materials: a flat bedsheet (a twin or full size works for 8 to 12 students), a soft ball or a stuffed animal, and open space indoors or on grass.
- Students stand around the sheet and hold the edge with both hands, thumbs on top.
- Practice calls: "small waves" (shake gently), "big waves" (shake hard), "freeze".
- Lift together on "up" and lower on "down". Count to 3 before each lift.
- Put the soft ball on the sheet. Students try to bounce it without letting it fall off.
- Make a mushroom: lift high, take one step in, then bring the sheet down behind you.
- Finish with "slow waves" and lay the sheet down gently.
Safety: no one goes under the sheet unless you call names two at a time, and only while everyone holds it high. Keep the ball soft.
Differentiation: students who need support can stand next to an adult. Students who are ready can be the caller. Students who use a wheelchair can hold the edge from their chair; keep movements at their height.
Quick check: call "freeze" in the middle of big waves and watch who stops right away.
Save this activity to your library so it is ready when you need it.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Life skills & money
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.