Que Llueva Rain Circle Song

A traditional Spanish circle song, “Que llueva, que llueva” (Let It Rain): the group circles while singing, and when the downpour comes, everyone hurries to the middle under a pretend umbrella, then spreads out when the sun comes out. It works rhythm, singing games, and grouping.

How to play

1. Children stand in a circle holding hands. Sing the song once while everyone makes falling rain with their fingers (1 min).
2. Say: “We circle while we sing. When I say downpour!, we let go and come to the middle to hide under my umbrella.” Stand in the middle with your arms as an umbrella.
3. First round walking and singing. On “Downpour!” everyone walks quickly to the middle and crouches together (1 min).
4. “The sun is out!” Everyone stands, stretches up, and walks backward to open the big circle.
5. Repeat three times, switching direction and how they circle: tiptoes, giant steps, or two-foot hops (2 min).
6. Last round: instead of going to the middle, everyone stays in place and jumps over pretend puddles while singing (1 min).

Rules

• Walk quickly to the middle, but no running or pushing.
• Crouch without falling on anyone.
• Circle holding hands without pulling arms.
• Everybody sings, and everybody fits under the umbrella.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: stand next to the child so the “umbrella” is beside them and the group comes to them.
• Autism or sensitivity to closeness: the child can shelter at the edge of the group or under their own arm umbrella.
• More skilled kids circle with side steps; less skilled kids circle holding the teacher’s hand.

Learning goals

• Move in a circle to the beat of a folk song.
• Group together and spread apart with control.
• Enjoy a traditional singing game.

Teacher tip

With a big group, open your arms wide or use a large cloth as the umbrella so nobody feels left out. Sing slowly the first few times.

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