Punchinella

Name and Purpose

Punchinella is a classic singing circle game where one player leads an action, the whole group copies, and a new leader is chosen through song.
Players practise creativity, turn-taking, expressive movement, and joyful group participation.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Materials

No materials required.
Optional: a recording of the Punchinella melody for staff to learn and teach the song.

Quick-Run Card

Players stand in a circle. One player volunteers to stand in the middle as Punchinella.
The circle walks right, holding hands, and sings: What can you do, Punchinella, Punchinella? What can you do, Punchinella in the shoe?
The circle stops; Punchinella performs any action they like.
Everyone copies the action while singing: We can do it too, Punchinella, Punchinella. We can do it too, Punchinella in the shoe.
The circle walks again, singing the choosing verse. Punchinella spins and points; whoever they point to when the song ends becomes the new Punchinella.

Setup and Boundaries

Form a circle with enough space for players to hold hands comfortably and walk slowly together.
Signal: one raised hand from staff means pause the song; two claps means stop and gather attention.
Check the space for trip hazards. Walking in a circle on uneven ground needs a quick ground check.
Remind players that the middle player leads and everyone else follows with kindness and enthusiasm.

How to Play

One player volunteers to stand in the middle as Punchinella. Staff may start as the first Punchinella to model the role.
The circle holds hands and walks to the right, singing: What can you do, Punchinella, Punchinella? What can you do, Punchinella in the shoe?
When the verse ends, the circle stops walking. Punchinella performs an action of their choice: jumping jacks, hopping on one foot, pretending to fly, or anything else.
Everyone in the circle copies the action while singing: We can do it too, Punchinella, Punchinella. We can do it too, Punchinella in the shoe.
The circle begins walking to the right again, singing: Who do you choose, Punchinella, Punchinella? Who do you choose, Punchinella in the shoe?
While singing, Punchinella spins in the middle with one arm extended. When the song ends, whoever Punchinella is pointing to becomes the new Punchinella. The previous Punchinella joins the circle.
The whole game repeats from step 2. Continue until everyone who wants a turn in the middle has had one.

I-OPt Options

Start:

A (Active): Volunteer to be the first Punchinella.
S (Support): Help younger or newer players learn the words to the song.
Q (Quiet): Walk in the circle and sing softly.
O (Observer): Stand just outside the circle and watch one full round before joining.

Mid:

A (Active): Perform a dramatic and creative action when it is your turn in the middle.
S (Support): Lead the singing with extra energy to encourage the group.
Q (Quiet): Copy actions in a calm, smaller version.
O (Observer): Join the walking circle when a comfortable moment arrives.

Late:

A (Active): Suggest a brand-new action type if you get a second turn.
S (Support): Help the newest Punchinella feel welcomed when they step into the middle.
Q (Quiet): Continue copying actions at your own pace.
O (Observer): Share a favourite action you saw in the debrief.

End:

A (Active): Lead the final round of the choosing verse with extra flair.
S (Support): Start the applause when the last Punchinella finishes.
Q (Quiet): Smile and clap along at the end.
O (Observer): Share one thing you noticed about the different actions people chose.

Inclusion Adaptations

All actions can be performed seated in the circle. Players who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility can participate as Punchinella with hand and arm actions.
For players who prefer not to hold hands, a light touch on the shoulder or holding a loop of rope or ribbon is a great alternative.

Stewardship Moment

No materials, no waste. This game has been played in circles for generations.
Reflection: This song has been sung by kids for a very long time. What do you think other groups felt when they played it?

Consent

Pre-brief: This game involves holding hands in a circle and taking a turn in the middle. For those not comfortable with hand-holding, holding a ribbon loop or a light shoulder touch is another option. For those who prefer not to stand in the middle, you are always welcome to stay in the circle and copy the actions.
Mid-game check: After two rounds, staff pause and check in. Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone doing?
Opt-out and re-entry: If Punchinella points to a player who does not want a turn in the middle, that player can smile and point back to the circle, and Punchinella spins again. No explanation needed.

Risks and Mitigation

Players trip while walking in a circle holding hands: keep the pace slow and check the ground first.
A player is pointed to and does not want the middle role: build the opt-out spin into the rules before the game starts so it feels normal.
A player in the middle cannot think of an action: staff whisper a suggestion or model one themselves to get the moment moving.

Warm-Up Suggestions

Action Parade: everyone walks in a line doing an action the leader calls out (stomp, swim, tiptoe). Warms up the idea of copying and leading.
Echo Clap: staff clap a rhythm and the group echoes it back. Warms up listening and following.

Debrief Questions

Cleanup and Reset