Martín Pescador, May I Pass?
A singing game that's very popular in Argentina (and in Chile and Uruguay too): the line passes under a bridge of arms and, when the song ends, the bridge gently traps someone, who then picks a side. Children practice moving in a line, ducking in time and following the rules of the game.
How to play
- The teacher explains that many kids in Argentina sing this game. Two adults (or two children) make a bridge with their arms and each secretly picks a name, like "sun" and "moon" (2 min).
- Learn the dialogue: the line asks in Spanish "Martín pescador, ¿me dejará pasar?" (Mr. Kingfisher, may I pass?) and the bridge answers "Pasará, pasará, pero el último quedará" (You may pass, but the last one stays) (2 min).
- The line circles under the bridge singing; on "quedará," the bridge gently lowers its arms and rocks the child inside (3 min).
- The trapped child whispers a choice, "sun or moon?" and lines up behind that side of the bridge, holding on at the waist. Keep going until everyone is on a side (3 min).
- No tug-of-war at the end: both groups come together in one big group hug and sway like the sea (2 min).
Rules
- Duck and walk, no running under the bridge.
- The bridge lowers its arms slowly, no bonking.
- If you get caught, pick a side and keep playing.
- Whispered choices are a secret.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, two adults are always the bridge and there's no choosing sides: the trapped child gets a hug and rejoins the line.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, choose "sun" or "moon" and form the two lines.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, children make the bridge and choose their own secret names (fruits, animals).
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: make the bridge higher and wider so the wheelchair fits, or have the child be part of the bridge.
- Autism: let the child go through holding the teacher's hand and explain the bridge will come down gently; they can choose not to be rocked.
- Hearing impairment: show the two secret words with pictures and let the child choose by pointing.
Learning goals
- Move in a line, adjusting posture to pass under.
- Follow the game's dialogue and rules.
- Learn about a singing game from Argentina.
Teacher tip
In the traditional version the two groups end with a tug-of-war; with little ones we swap it for a group hug. Say "walk through like kittens" so they don't race under the bridge.
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