Clapping games are easy, free, and don't require any props or equipment. They are a great way to keep children of all ages moving, distract them, and combat boredom.
This style of game has many benefits, but the most important thing to remember is that there are no set rules on how a clapping game must be played. There are hundreds of variations. As shown below, any game can be slowed down to a series of two or three simple claps or pats for younger children and easily modified for their abilities.
Don't be afraid to experiment. If you like a game/chant, give it a try. Here are the benefits of clapping games:
Engages brain circuitry by stimulating the frontal lobes and crossing the mid-lines of the body. This goes for young children, teens, and adults. Everyone benefits!
Improves fine motor control by prompting the right moves at the right time.
Improves bilateral coordination because often two hands have two different jobs.
Helps develop skill progression as children clap independently, then transition into clapping with a partner, and then with other children in a group.
Improves social-emotional qualities as children learn to interact with others, control their natural impulses, gain confidence, and empathize with other children trying to learn the game.
Teaches new words with new meanings.
Promotes memory skills as children say the correct words in the correct order.
Encourages children to follow rhythmic patterns & sequences.
Prompts children to move at the correct tempo - and within a certain amount of time.
Promotes creativity as children design their own clapping games and moves.
Check out our new CLAPPING GAMES and CHANTS Music CD for ALL AGES. Includes select links to select video instruction.
Angela Russ-Ayon is a mom-preneur, children’s author, interactive trainer on the subject of early childhood, and award-winning artist/producer of music for young children. She presents educational strategies to child care providers, parents, and teachers nationwide for AEYCs, R & Rs, and the like. She is a member of the Recording Academy and is the sole owner of Russ InVision Records. For more information on Angela, her workshops, keynotes, and accomplishments, you are welcome to visit www.abridgeclub.com. © 2021, Russ InVision. All rights reserved.
Find out more about Angela Russ-Ayon and her affordable interactive keynote and workshop presentations coast-to-coast on the subjects of early childhood development, STEM (science and math), open-ended questions, and creative engagement. Visit her training page.
AbridgeClub.com offers fun songs and physical activities for distance learning, virtual classes, webinars, child care facilities, after-school programs, homeschooling, preschools, daycare centers, kindergarten classes, or rainy day recesses.
All music and book titles are available in bulk for early childhood and nutrition programs, conferences, non-profit initiatives, licensing, or grants that promote healthy eating, fruits and vegetables, gardening, farm-to-table, STEM initiatives, and anti-obesity. Contact Angela directly for discounted pricing, quotes, and orders. Allow for at least 2-3 weeks to process orders and ship. We accept purchase orders.
For information: Contact: Angela Russ-Ayon
Phone: 562-421-1836
E-mail: info@abridgeclub.com