Tingo, Tingo, Tango: A Game from Colombia
A traditional game from Colombia: a stuffed animal is passed around the circle while someone chants "tingo, tingo, tingo..." and on "tango!" whoever is holding it comes up with a move the whole group does. Children practice expressing themselves through movement, paying attention and being creative.
How to play
- Sitting in a circle, the teacher explains that kids in Colombia play tingo tingo tango. Pass the stuffed animal hand to hand while the teacher, eyes covered, chants "tingo, tingo, tingo..." (2 min).
- When the teacher says "tango!" the child holding it stands and does a move (jump, spin, dance like a monkey) and everyone copies (2 min).
- Pass it in new ways: over our heads, with our feet, standing instead of sitting (2 min).
- Now a child chants "tingo, tingo... tango!" and the child who gets "tango" picks an animal for everyone to move like around the room (2 min).
- Finish with a slow "tango": the child holding it picks a calm pose and we all hold it, breathing slowly (2 min).
Rules
- Pass the stuffed animal, don't throw it.
- If you get "tango," pick a move or ask for help.
- We all copy our friend's move.
- Whoever chants "tingo" keeps their eyes covered.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher suggests a move for the child holding the toy, or offers two choices.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, each child makes up their own move.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, moves build up: each "tango" adds a new move to the ones before.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: pass the toy while seated and suggest arm or head moves everyone can copy.
- Autism: offer picture cards of moves to choose from when it's their turn.
- Hearing impairment: hold up a red card along with "tango!"
Learning goals
- Come up with moves and copy others.
- Pass an object with control.
- Learn about a traditional game from Colombia.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large stuffed animal: 1
Teacher tip
In Colombia whoever gets "tango" usually does a forfeit; here it's always a fun move. Make sure every child gets a turn: it's fine to time your "tango" on purpose.
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