"Corro de la Patata" Parachute Circle
Children circle with the parachute while singing the traditional Spanish song "Al corro de la patata" (Potato Circle), and on "achupé, achupé" everyone sits down together as the fabric falls to the ground. It builds rhythm, control when sitting and standing, and enjoyment of a traditional circle game.
How to play
- Sing "Al corro de la patata" (a Spanish ring song, much like "Ring Around the Rosie," that ends with everyone sitting on "achupé") holding hands without the fabric, to remember it (2 min).
- Now with the parachute: circle holding with one hand and on "achupé, achupé" sit down with the fabric (2 min).
- Sitting, make waves while the teacher counts to three, then stand and circle again (2 min).
- Change how we move each round: little hops, tiptoes, backward (2 min).
- Last round: on "achupé" we sit down very slowly, like a sleepy potato (2 min).
Rules
- Everyone circles the same way.
- On "achupé" we sit carefully, no flopping.
- We stand up still holding the fabric.
- We all sing together.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, circle at a walk and the teacher warns "Here comes the achupé!" before sitting.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add the waves while sitting and different steps.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher changes the word we sit on ("Now on 'limón'!") so they really have to listen.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair lowers the fabric to the ground instead of sitting; the others adjust their speed.
- Autism: use a potato picture card that the teacher shows right before "achupé."
- Hearing impairment: the teacher crouches where everyone can see when saying "achupé" as the signal.
Learning goals
- Match movement to rhythm and lyrics.
- Sit down and stand up with control.
- Enjoy a traditional circle game as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
Teacher tip
If your class doesn't know the Spanish song, "Ring Around the Rosie" uses the same idea with "We all fall down." Watch that nobody drops backward when sitting.
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