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Clap and Say
Clap a rhythm and say a vocabulary word on the beat. Great for phonics.
âą 5-10 min⥠Medium energyðĨ Whole class
ð Vocabulary
âĒ any lesson vocabulary
âĒ phonics words
âĒ numbers
âĒ animals
âĒ colours
ð Materials
âĒ No materials needed
âĒ Optional: flashcards to prompt words
ð How to Play
- Children sit in a circle.
- Establish a simple clapping rhythm â clap, clap, click, click (repeat).
- Practise the rhythm together until everyone is in sync.
- Teacher starts â on the "click click" beats, say a vocabulary word: "AP-PLE"
- The next child must say a different vocabulary word on the next "click click".
- Anyone who misses the beat or repeats a word is out.
- Keep going around the circle â getting faster as children improve.
- Last child remaining wins.
ðĄ Teacher Tips
âStart with a slow rhythm â speed up gradually as children gain confidence.
âClap to the syllables of the word to reinforce phonemic awareness.
âThis is brilliant for phonics â use CVC words like "cat", "dog", "red".
âPlay without elimination for very young children â just enjoy the rhythm.
ð Variations
âClap the number of syllables in the word instead of a fixed rhythm.
âUse categories â all words must be animals, or colours, or food.
âAdd stomping or tapping knees for a more complex rhythm pattern.
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