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

  1. Students stand in a circle with hands out, right hand on top of the left hand of the person to their right.
  2. 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.
  3. On each beat, a student claps the hand of the next person.
  4. The leader calls a number at the end. The count continues around the circle.
  5. 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.
How to play Stella Ella Ola: printable classroom rule card with the steps, time (5–15 min), grades k–8 and prep

📌 Rule card to print or pin

The rules of Stella Ella Ola on one card. Print it for the board or a sub folder, or save it to Pinterest for later.

Save to Pinterest Download / print rule card
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