Clap Your Hands and STOP! (aka. the best centering activity...ever!!!)

I'm always on the lookout for a new activity to get the rowdies focused during storytime. When they won't pay attention to anything and it is descending into total chaos, this game never fails to get the crowd redirected. It is super simple and super effective. Clap your hands and stop.

I'll say, "Hey everybody, watch me and do what I do!"

"Clap your hands, clap your hands, clap your hands and...

STOP!
Clap your hands, clap your hands, clap your hands and ...

STOP!"
then insert the following actions
"Wave your hands…  

Roll your hands…   

Shake your hands…"

If you want to get more active, have them stand up and include:

"Turn around...

Jump up and down...

Stomp your feet..."

Finish with:

"Sit back down, sit back down, sit back down and....

STOP!

whisper

Not a sound(shhh), not a sound(shhh), not a sound...don't stop."

Enjoy the peace and maybe read a book.

Thanks to Kate at Felt Board Magic for hosting this week's: