Word Claps

A word game that'll get you listening and thinking with the group

Instructions

Word Claps is a game that requires that players get their thinking cap on, use their listening skills and practice their powers of concentration.

How to play

Sit in a circle.

Everybody slaps their thighs twice and then clicks their fingers twice — continue for a moment to establish a constant rhythm.

Going around the circle, players take it in turns to play “word associations” while they are clicking their fingers — for example, slap, slap, “Window”, slap, slap,  “Glass”, slap slap, “Drinking”, slap slap, “lemonade” etc.

Variations

Instead of a game of word associations, try doing word claps with words that are not associated in any way. This can be far more difficult! If someone spots an association then they can call it out.

Also try passing one word around the circle, or a sound (for example “Boo”) saying it alternately loudly and then softly.

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 Rule of the game.

It is great we are starting to have face to face activities again – make sure you and your group stay safe by following our latest guidelines on physical meetings.

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