African American oral tradition, United States (first documented in print late 19th century; widespread across the English-speaking world by 20th century)
Miss Mary Mack
Also known as Mary Mack clapping game
A two-player hand-clapping game played in rhythm to a sung rhyme.
2 playersAges 5-12In or outCalmSmall spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
Two players face each other.
2
The clapping pattern repeats: clap own hands, cross arms on chest, clap own hands, clap both hands with partner.
3
While clapping in this rhythm the pair sings: 'Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack / all dressed in black, black, black / with silver buttons, buttons, buttons / all down her back, back, back.'
4
Continue through as many verses as you know.
5
The aim is to maintain the rhythm without missing a beat.
6
Pairs who mess up swap partners.
Keep it fair
Agree on what counts as 'messing up' before playing, dropped clap versus wrong pattern, so the call is clear and not argued over.
Good for building
rhythmcoordinationmemorytiming
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
More to play
