Ambo Ató Matarile: Two-Line Singing Game

A singing game with two facing lines that walk forward and back to the beat: one line asks for a child from the other, offers a job, and if the child accepts, they cross over acting it out. Students work on rhythm while moving, expressive movement, and group cooperation.

How to play

1. Two lines of 12-13, arms linked or holding hands, facing each other 25 ft apart with cones marking each line (2 min).
2. Sing the song in parts: Line A walks four steps forward and four back while singing its part; then Line B does the same to answer (3 min).
3. Line A asks for a child from Line B by name. Line B asks what job they'll give, and Line A offers one (2 min).
4. If the child accepts the job, they cross to Line A acting it out and moving as you call it (hopping, sideways, in slow motion). If not, Line A offers another (6 min).
5. Lines take turns asking. Finish by naming the best-acted jobs (2 min).

Rules

• Lines move forward and back together without letting go.
• The child asked may turn down a job, but only twice.
• Safety: the lines never get closer than 6 ft to each other.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student joins the line in a wheelchair while classmates adjust the pace, and acts out the job with arms and face.
• Shy students: they can cross with a partner who acts it out alongside them.
• Hearing impairment: show forward and back with gestures and cards for each part.

Learning goals

• Move as a group to the rhythm of a song.
• Act out jobs expressively with the body.
• Respect a classmate's choices within the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 6

Teacher tip

Keep a list of jobs to give ideas, and make sure everyone gets asked at least once. With a big class, run two games side by side.

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