Teacher Notes

This is an information gathering game. Whether you already have a mixed culture group or not this game offers an opportunity to travel to other countries and learn a little about them, and for players to share a little of their own cultures.

All players stand around the parachute, which becomes the aeroplane. Hold on with one hand and crouch low ready for take-off.

All say “1, 2, 3,” together, then slowly start to move altogether in one direction, stopping then standing when airborne.

The leader announces which country they are entering. “We are approaching India, please fasten your seat belts.”

After landing everyone sits on the parachute.

The leader, either asks three questions about the new country, or asks the players to tell them three things about the country.

If possible learn the numbers 1, 2, 3 in that language and maybe two words, if anyone knows any to share.

Return to the edge crouching ready for take-off, this time say 1,2,3 in the language of the country you are just leaving and fly to a new one.

If the players give false stereotypical answers to the questions about the countries they are visiting, it is a good opportunity to put them right, and extend their knowledge.

The time spent in anyone country will depend on the response of the players and how much they know.

There are three more versions of this game.

1. Instead of visiting a country, visit a specific place. E.g. The Sahara Desert, or the Tropical Rain Forest. If visiting the Under Water World, gather all the players inside the Tent.

2. Create a different world to visit. E.g. The Zorgian Planet. What do the aliens look like? What do they eat? What language do they speak.

3. The parachute becomes the time machine. Visit different times in history.