![]() The more challenging clapping games involve different motor movements at a particular part of the song. Miss Mary Mack has to ask her mother for 15 cents before she can see the elephants jump over the fence. Most clapping games tell a story in a particular sequence, which helps a child to remember the lyrics. The Wheels on the Bus, Old MacDonald, The Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Head-Shoulder-Knees, and Toes, etc. Many children’s songs involve a particular sequence. When a child s equences, they put events, ideas, and/or objects in an order. Okay… maybe not-they didn’t have OT back then.īUT, the very simple clap hands together, hit both your hands to your baby’s hands was designed to work on getting a baby to bring their hands together in the midline, then take them apart. I swear that the original clapping game “Patty-cake” was invented by an OT. I have had a few parents say to me “I think he’s ambidextrous!”. This can interfere with a child’s ability to develop a “strong” side because they are using both sides equally. If they don’t cross the midline, they will use their left hand to pick up something on their left side, and their right hand to pick up something on their right side. Once a child begins to develop a hand dominance, they should be able to cross over the midline to get a preferred toy, a crayon, etc. Then they start to develop the ability to cross over the midline. As an infant, a child starts to bring his hands to midline (usually to put something in their mouth). ![]() The midline is an imaginary line down the center of your body (picture through your nose to your belly button). The child has to practice the movements over and over before they become automatic. Who knew there was so much involved? Clapping games involve a lot of motor planning, too. Then he has to shift his weight to actually slide downward. Now he has to get himself to the ladder, hold onto the railings, get himself up the steps, and then coordinate his body from standing at the top step to sitting at the top of the slide. In order to motor plan, a child has to come up with an idea, figure out how to do it, and then actually physically complete the task.įor example, a child unfamiliar with a playground slide decides he wants to try it. A difficulty with motor planning, also known as dyspraxia, can interfere with a child’s ability to learn everyday tasks such as getting dressed, writing, and playing games with other children. Motor planning is a prerequisite to learning any new skill. I thought I would break it down for the rest of the world so I can spread the love of clapping games! Motor Planning The things that I can learn about a child from watching them learn a clapping game are amazing. What we didn’t know is that we were also developing foundational motor skills that would benefit us for years to come.Īs a school-based OT, I use clapping games often with individual children, small groups, and whole classes. We thought they were so fun and loved all the silly lyrics that went along with the clap sequences. As a little kid, my friends and I spent hours playing clapping games during recess. Meaning, if they don’t have a toy or an iPhone to keep them occupied, they don’t really know what to do with themselves. Remember all the clapping games you used to play when you were little? Nowadays, kids have a hard time playing with nothing. All you need is a microphone or a headset with a microphone and you can start exploring.Clapping Games are an Awesome Way to Work on Motor Skills No need to have a professional setup, either. The game uses all types of sounds, such as harmony, melody and different types of rhythm to move the character from one spot to another. ![]() Players can whistle, hum, or even use an instrument. What better way to do that than with this beautiful puzzle game full of colorful lands and interesting characters. Whether you sing in the shower or at karaoke, you can always improve the sound of your voice, and the confidence of yourselves. One Hand Clapping isn't just for the musically gifted person, though. Gameplay-wise, all you have to do is solve the puzzles to move your character and change the world around you, but the catch is that there is no controller or keyboard involved. Handy Game and Bad Dream Game just released the 2D singing puzzle game, One Hand Clapping, as an Early Access title on Google Stadia. ![]() In a surprise release, this unique, one-of-a-kind game uses your voice as the main element of movement.
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