Rhythm clap is a thinking game that requires the players to use their listening skills and concentration to create something together.
How to play
Sit in a circle with eyes closed.
Players individually think of a rhythm to clap or beat. They then begin clapping / tapping their rhythms all together.
Listen to see if people gradually begin to move into similar rhythms — from initial chaos, you may find a growing co-ordination about the sound.
Play again with the intention of bringing the rhythms together – does this make any difference to the final sound? How about if you keep eyes closed, but if each person joins in one by one, rather than all at once?
What sounds and rhythms go well together? Which ones clash?
You could add vocal sounds into the mix if the group is up for some singing, how do they relate to the rhythms?
Take it further
This is taken from the book Games, Games, Games, a publication with around 250 group games. The games are essentially co-operative in nature and develop skills and attitudes which encourage learning together and supporting one another.
If you enjoyed playing this game in your group, you could also try playing Rainstorm or trying out writing your own verse to a protest song with Back of the Bus Remix?