This month the Lower School and Extended Day participated in parachute play. Parachute games encourage cooperative, non-competitive play and reinforce turn-taking and sharing. While most gross motor activities for young children develop muscles in the lower body more than the upper torso, parachutes strengthen primarily shoulder, arm and hand muscles. When children work together to make the parachute billow, they also refine perceptual motor skills and develop a sense of rhythm. Language activities are also be incorporated into most parachute games. Parachute games played were: “Merry Go Round,” “Cat & Mouse,” “Popcorn,” and “Running through the Tunnel.”