"Al Pasar la Barca" Parachute Rowing
Sitting around the parachute, children row by pulling the fabric toward them and letting it go toward the middle to the rhythm of the traditional Spanish song "Al pasar la barca" (As the Boat Goes By). It builds rhythm, arm and trunk coordination and enjoyment of traditional games.
How to play
- Sitting with legs stretched under the fabric, the teacher sings "Al pasar la barca" (a Spanish folk song about a boatman on a river) and we learn it bit by bit (2 min).
- Practice rowing without the song: everyone leans back pulling, then comes forward again (2 min).
- Row while singing: one pull on each beat, while the boat goes up and down (2 min).
- Row in halves: while one half of the circle pulls, the other half lets go a little toward the middle, like a rocking boat (2 min).
- The boat reaches the harbor: we row slower and slower and leave it still on the ground (2 min).
Rules
- Pull gently and all together.
- We stay seated in the boat.
- Row to the rhythm of the song.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just pull back and come forward slowly, with the teacher marking each beat.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, row while singing and try rowing in halves.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, change speed as the teacher calls "calm sea" or "hurry to the harbor."
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair rows from the chair with the fabric at lap height.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher marks the beat with their body, leaning back and forth where everyone can see.
- Less strength or sitting balance: the child sits leaning against an adult or a wall.
Learning goals
- Coordinate arm and trunk movements with the rhythm.
- Learn a traditional children's song.
- Move in sync with the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
Teacher tip
One verse is plenty. If the Spanish song doesn't fit your class, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" works just as well. Remind them to pull with a straight back and not flop backward.
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