Joy in Connection · Games & Activities
Parachute Fun
Encourage gentle movement, sensory engagement, and social connection through a colorful, cooperative group activity.
What It Is: A parachute game uses a lightweight, colorful fabric parachute that residents and volunteers hold around the edges. Together, they gently raise and lower the parachute, creating waves and movements that are fun to watch and feel. The activity can be paired with familiar music, making it a wonderful way to bring residents together through movement, rhythm, and shared enjoyment.
What you need
- A lightweight, colorful activity parachute large enough for your group.
- A portable speaker and familiar songs residents will enjoy.
- Optional: A few lightweight, soft balls to place on the parachute.st item
How to play
- Gather Together: Seat residents in a circle or semicircle, with volunteers nearby to help.
- Introduce the Parachute: Invite residents to hold or touch the colorful fabric.
- Play a songs from the music playlist: Enjoy singing together.
- Try Simple Games: Slowly rise and lower the parachute together. Create ocean waves, gently bounce soft balls like popcorn, or move the parachute to music.
- Enjoy Time Together: Smile, sing, share memories, and encourage everyone to participate at their own comfort level.
Make it a connection
Make eye contact and smile. Greet each resident personally and use their name when possible.
Share memories. While making ocean waves, or as you observe the residents enjoying the activity:
- “Did you ever visit the beach?”
- “I love your smile.”
- “God’s light is shining in your eyes.”
For residents with memory loss
Demonstrate instead of explaining. Show one movement at a time and invite residents to follow your example.
Use short, reassuring phrases. Try “Lift up,” “Bring it down,” or “Let’s make waves.”
Repeat movements. Familiar, predictable actions can make participation more comfortable.
Use familiar songs. Music may invite residents to sing, tap their hands, smile, or respond even when conversation is difficult.
Offer choices without pressure. A resident may hold the parachute, touch the fabric, move one hand, watch the colors, or simply listen to the music.
Follow their cues. If someone appears confused, tired, or uncomfortable, slow down, offer reassurance, or let them observe.
Smiling and praising God together invites His presence into the time you share.