Mambrú's Parade of Faces
We parade in a line to the beat of the traditional Spanish song «Mambrú se fue a la guerra,» with big theatrical gestures on «qué dolor, qué pena» («oh, how sad!») and little steps on «do-re-mi, do-re-fa.» It works on rhythmic marching and showing feelings with our faces.
How to play
- Standing apart, march in place while the teacher sings the first verse (1 min).
- Line up behind the teacher and parade around the yard like a snake, arms swinging (1 min).
- On «qué dolor, qué pena» stop, put a hand on your forehead and make a super-sad stage face, then keep marching (1 min).
- On «do-re-mi» take three small steps forward, on «do-re-fa» three steps back (1 min).
- Change the parade style each round: giant steps, tiptoes, knees up high (1 min).
- Final parade, slower and slower, into a circle and take a bow (1 min).
Rules
- Stomp to the beat, no running.
- Follow the person in front without pushing.
- The sad face is just pretend; then we smile.
- Steps back: look over your shoulder.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, march in place, only the sad gesture, and a line led by the teacher.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, line parade, sad gesture and «do-re-mi» steps.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the leader picks the marching style and we switch leaders each verse.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the wheelchair joins the parade and keeps the beat with claps on the armrests.
- Autism: warn before the dramatic gesture; kids who don't want to make the face can just touch their forehead.
- Hearing impairment: keep the beat on a visible hand drum with big teacher movements.
Learning goals
- Move in time with a steady beat.
- Show emotions with face and body.
- Get to know a traditional Spanish song.
Teacher tip
Tell Mambrú's story as a man who went on a long trip and nobody knows when he'll be back; no need to get into the war part. Do the backward steps with the line stopped and spaced out.
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