Brain breaks

Stella Ella Ola

A circle clapping game: students pass a clap around while chanting, and whoever is clapped on the final count is out. Great for rhythm, counting and focus.

🎓 Grades K–8
⏱ 5–15 min
👥 Whole class in a circle
📦 No prep

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How to play Stella Ella Ola

Students stand in a circle with hands out, right hand on top of the left hand of the person to their right.
Chant "Stella ella ola, clap clap clap, say es chica chica, chica chica bam, say es chica chica, chica chica bam, say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5..." while passing the clap around.
On each beat, a student claps the hand of the next person.
The leader calls a number at the end. The count continues around the circle.
Whoever would be clapped on that number tries to pull their hand away. If they get clapped, they are out.

Variations

Count by 2s or 5s, or say multiples of a times table.

Up next🫂 Mingle (Find Your Group) →

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