Clap Dance

Basic beginner activity for creating atmosphere and attention to each other. In Deaf or integrated groups, it is a very good opportunity to start a conversation about why eye contact is so important in a visual-based world where sounds fall out of perception. This can be practiced in a playful way and at the same time connected to each other as the beginning of the training.

Details of activity

Function

Description

Simple group-forming activity. The participants are standing in a circle. We have to practice two movements together as a start: clap, but in a way that is “outward”. That's how I can send the clap. The pair of the gesture: clap “inwards,” that is, as if I were catching something with the clap. With this I can receive the clap. Someone starts the round with a clap sending to another participant (after making eye contact with them). The person receives the clap with the 2nd move and then forwards it to someone else he has chosen in the same way. If everyone pays enough attention to the others, the group can pick up a very fast pace in the clap-give-in because there is constant eye contact between the participants and there is a high chance of interaction between everyone. If someone doesn’t pay attention, the applause is lost, the game is broken.

Eligible competencies, skills, attitudes

Listening to each other | Cooperation | Attention | Nonverbal expression | Eye contact

Related or background activity

It is used as a beginner, warm-up, tuning game.

Form of work

Whole group

Time of activity

8-10 minutes

Age group

Every age group

Tool, material

Difficulty

Standing in the circle, making eye contact

Deaf Culture / awareness / discussion

We can talk about the importance of eye contact for Deaf people. Listening to each other – with eyes. Communication and collaboration without words – it works, you just have to listen and be actively present!

Other

The activity is recommended for everyone from primary school to adults.