How to Do Handclap Routines

Handclap games are thought to have originated from the African American tradition. The games involve two or more kids clapping in time while reciting songs or rhymes. Hand clapping games are a good way for kids socialize and be physically active.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stand within clapping distance of your partner and face him with your hands up.
2. Choose a rhyme. "Miss Mary Black" is a well-known hand clapping rhyme, as is "Down Down Baby." Any rhyme or children's song can be used to play the hand clapping game.
3. Begin with the basic hand clap. Clap your hands together once in front of you. Then put both hands up and clap your partner's palms. Turn one hand palm-up and the other palm-down while your partner does the same with the opposite hands. Clap your hands against each other.
4. Clap your hands in time to the rhyme or song you're reciting. Perform the hand claps in order so each partner knows what to expect. Increase your speed as you and your partner become more familiar with the rhythm.
5. Add additional claps to the game once you get comfortable with the basics. For instance, you could clap your knee or your partner's knee, or clap your partner's hands sideways rather than up or down.
6. Expand the handclap game to include a third person. Stand in a triangle, with each person clapping against one hand of the other two people.