Anton Pirulero Copy-and-Switch
A movement version of the traditional Spanish-language singing game "Antón Pirulero": each student does their own exercise, and when the leader copies theirs, they must instantly switch to the leader's exercise. It warms up the body and builds focus, imitation and cultural awareness.
How to play
- Make 2 standing circles of 12 or 13. Each student picks a different warm-up exercise (arm circles, high knees in place, jumping jacks, butt kicks...) and shows it to the group in 1 minute.
- Everyone chants the verse together: "Antón, Antón, Antón Pirulero, everyone, everyone, pay attention to your own game, and whoever doesn't will pay, will pay, whoever doesn't will pay a forfeit."
- While chanting, each student does their own exercise. The leader, starting with the teacher, does their own exercise as well.
- At any moment, the leader switches to another student's exercise. That student must immediately switch to the leader's exercise. If they are slow or miss it, they pay a "fitness forfeit": three frog jumps or one jog around the circle.
- After the forfeit, the student keeps playing as usual. Every 2 minutes, pass the leader role to a student, for up to 3 changes.
Rules
- Each student does only their own exercise, unless the leader calls them by copying it.
- Forfeits are always simple physical tasks, never meant to embarrass anyone.
- Chosen exercises must be done in place without invading a classmate's space.
Variations
Easier
The leader says the student's name out loud when switching exercises.
Standard
The leader switches without warning and students must catch it by watching.
Harder
The student who is called must switch and also do the leader's exercise to the beat of the chant.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student picks an arm or trunk exercise and modifies the leader's exercise to their position when called.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the game is visual; place the student directly across from the leader to see the switches clearly.
- Fitness level: forfeits can be gentler, such as three slow squats.
Learning goals
- Learn and perform a traditional singing game from another culture.
- Keep visual focus on the leader while doing a different exercise.
- Quickly imitate an observed movement.
Teacher tip
Teach the chant in the classroom or at the start of the lesson. Make sure every exercise is different and easy to recognize so the switch is clear.
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