We use this activity to ...

  • practice learning everyone’s names
  • practice rhythm coordination
  • raise the comfort level of the group


Procedure:

  1. Sit on the floor in a big group circle.
  2. Have everyone go around and introduce their first name.
  3. Teach the group the vocal and movement pattern “Lap, Clap, Snap”. This is done by patting your lap with both hands, clapping your hands in front of you, and then snapping your fingers with both hands. Do it several times as a group until everyone in the circle is comfortable with the rhythm.
  4. Then the game begins. The leader starts the pattern: “Lap, Clap, Snap.” But instead of saying “Snap”, the leader calls out the name of a player in the circle.
  5. That player whose name was called out must then continue the pattern, calling out a different player’s name in the place of the “Snap”.
  6. The trick is to never break the rhythm. This will probably take some practice rounds at first. Practice until everyone is comfortable with the pattern.
  7. After awhile, consider adding an elimination mode. Where any time the rhythm is broken, the person who broke the rhythm is out. The player sitting next to the eliminated player should start the rhythm again.
  8. When everyone gets the hang of the game, increase the fun by speeding up the rhythm!


Sample:

LEADER: Lap, Clap Paul!

PAUL: Lap, Clap, Jane!

JANE: Lap, Clap, Sara!