Ask Ollie
Ollie's Cup Clapping Rhythm Game
Here's one to try together!
Clap, tap, slide and pass! Learn a secret cup pattern one piece at a time, then speed it up.
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- plastic cups may crack or have sharp edges if damaged
- cups can slip or fall off the table during fast play
What you need
- Clear cups, 1 plastic cup per person
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Set out one plastic cup per person on a clear table. Check each cup for cracks or sharp edges and swap out any damaged ones.
- Sit at the table with your cup upside down in front of you.
- Learn the first piece: clap twice, then tap the top of the cup three times.
- Add the next piece: clap once, then pick up the cup and set it down to your right.
- Add the last piece: clap once, then flip the cup to open end facing you.
- Put it all together slowly, saying every move out loud. Ask: Which part of the pattern is trickiest for you?
- Repeat the pattern faster and faster. Ask: How fast do you think we can go before someone mixes up?
- Try the pattern along with a favorite song.
- Sit in a circle and pass your cup to the next person on the last move.
- Now teach a friend, or invent a new move! What will you add to the pattern? Ask: What new move would you add to make the pattern your own?
Play it again
- Song swap: do the pattern to a different song each round.
- Silent round: do the whole pattern with no talking, just rhythm.
- Backwards: try the pattern in reverse order.
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