I often find myself feeling nostalgic as I pass by an elementary school playground and see children playing the same games I loved as a kid. Playground games are typically passed down from generation to generation with a minor tweak here or there. What’s great about sing-along hand games is that you’re never too old or out of shape to play. And the words pop right back into your head the minute you hear the lyrics! The biggest difference is now you ask yourself, “Who is Miss Mary Mack and why is she dressed in black to watch the elephants play?” No matter, we didn’t care then, and no need to care now. 

Hand clapping games are a welcomed break from screens and can teach a child a bit about coordination and rhythm. They also strengthen working memory and cognitive flexibility by requiring memorized verses and physical movement at the same time. With this in mind, this week’s activity, Sing-along Hand Games, will challenge ages. 

Besides being just plain fun, clapping games have other benefits. Studies have found that engaging in clapping games may lead to better social integration within groups as well as improvement in motor and cognitive skills. For younger children, the clapping can help develop basic motor skills, while in adults clapping games can relieve tension and stress.