Objective:
Be the last person standing by keeping your focus sharp and your rhythm steady!
Description:
In this elimination game, players must avoid saying any number that includes a 3, 6, or 9. Instead of saying those numbers, you’ll clap once when it’s your turn. If you say the number instead of clapping, or hesitate too long, you’re out!
How to Play:
- Have the group sit or stand in a circle.
- The first person starts by saying “One.”
- The next person says “Two.”
- When it’s time for 3, 6, 9—or any number that contains a 3, 6, or 9 (like 13, 23, 36, 49, 63, 93)—the player claps instead of speaking.
- The next person continues with the following number.
- If someone says a forbidden number or takes too long, they’re out! The circle closes and the counting restarts from 1.
Example Sequence:
1, 2, clap, 4, 5, clap, 7, 8, clap, 10, 11, 12, clap, 14…
When you get to the 30s, 60s, or 90s, every number in that decade includes a 3, 6, or 9—so it becomes a full-on clap streak!
Example:
28, clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap, 40
Variations for the Classroom:
- Partner Version: Play in pairs and take turns counting; if one person misses, both restart.
- Speed Round: Set a timer and see how high the group can go without mistakes.
- Reverse Mode: When someone claps, the direction of play reverses!
- The 6-7 Version: Don’t Say It! Replace 3-6-9 with 6-7 as the clapping numbers!
Quick Tip:
Encourage laughter, quick thinking, and teamwork. The game works great as a 2–3 minute energizer to wake up focus and listening skills at the start of class.
– Edtomorrow Team