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Directions for Hand-clapping Rhymes

Hand-clapping rhymes are popular games that children have been playing for years. This type of activity is simple in the fact that it doesn't require equipment. The challenge is learning to perform the motions in rhythm with the words. Learning to do hand-clapping rhymes will improve your coordination, as well as your sense of rhythm and timing. These basic rhymes are based on patterns of movements that repeat as the rhyme progresses.

Instructions

- 1
  Sit directly across from a partner so you can easily reach other with the palms of your hands.
- 2
  Choose a hand-clapping rhyme. Popular ones include "Miss Mary Mack," "Miss Susie" and "Down, Down Baby."
- 3
  Practice saying the rhyme with your partner until you have memorized it and can recite it together with consistent timing. You'll need the ability to say the lyrics from memory so you can focus on clapping.
- 4
  Clap your own hands together on the first beat one of the rhyme. Your partner should clap her hands together as well.
- 5
  Clap your right hand to your partner's right hand on the second beat. Your hands should meet in the middle.
- 6
  Clap your own hands together again on the third beat.
- 7
  Clap your left hand to your partner's left hand on the fourth beat.
- 8
  Repeat this basic pattern of "clap, right hand, clap, left hand" as you say the rhyme.
- 9
  Add variety to your motions once you become comfortable with the basic pattern. One variation is to clap both hands together with your partner's hands on the set beats. Another option is use the "clap, right hand, clap, left hand" pattern for the first five beats, followed by crossing your arms over your chest on the sixth beat. Then clap your hands on your lap on the seventh beat, and clap your hands together again on the eighth beat.

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