Party Clapping
Like at a Spanish town festival, children accompany folk music with loud claps and soft "hollow" claps and a little foot stomping, in a circle and in pairs. Children practice keeping the beat with hands and feet and learn about festive traditions.
How to play
- In a circle, the teacher shows two claps: the loud one, fingers on palm, and the soft hollow one, with cupped hands that sounds quiet (2 min).
- With cheerful music, clap loud when the teacher raises their hands and clap soft when the hands go down (2 min).
- Add feet: stomp in place to the beat, switching right and left foot (2 min).
- In pairs, one claps and the other dances in front, stomping; when they hear "¡Olé!" they switch (3 min).
- Everyone into the middle of the circle and dance out clapping; when the music ends, strike a party pose (3 min).
Rules
- Our claps follow the music.
- Hollow claps are quiet.
- Stomp without stepping on anyone.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only loud and soft claps with free stomping.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add the pairs and the "¡Olé!" switch.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, repeat a short pattern to the beat: two claps, two stomps.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child claps along while a partner dances around them.
- Hearing impairment: stand near the speaker and watch the teacher's hands for loud and soft.
- Autism: let the child choose to dance or just clap from their spot.
Learning goals
- Keep the beat with hands and feet.
- Tell loud claps from soft hollow claps.
- Learn about and enjoy festive folk music.
Equipment for a class of 25
- música
Teacher tip
Use royalty-free instrumental folk music, such as a jota or sevillanas from Spain, or a traditional son or other local folk tune. Hollow claps are tricky: teach them as if holding a little bird in your hands.
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