By leading, following and counting claps, they develop coordination, attention to detail and teamwork.
1. Pair up
Ask the children to find a partner and label themselves A and B.
2. Lead and follow
A holds out their hand while B focuses on A's palm. A leads B around the room using different levels and pathways, practising spatial awareness and avoiding others.
3. Swap roles
After a short time, swap so B leads A. After another short turn, swap back again.
4. Introduce the claps
Explain that you will clap a series of claps. The pairs continue moving while focusing on each other, listening carefully and counting the claps. Start slowly and increase the speed gradually.
5. Freeze and check
At the end of the sequence, shout "Freeze!" and ask each pair to say how many claps they heard. The pairs who counted correctly, or came closest, are the winners.
This exercise challenges children to split their attention between movement and listening. It is excellent preparation for performing, where focus must be maintained on multiple things at once.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
