The EFL Playhouse: A Resource for ESL/EFL Teachers of Young Learners

Miss Mary Mack

This traditional clapping game is a fun way to introduce the concept of alliteration. After students become familiar with the rhyme, have them listen for and count various sounds.

Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack,
All dressed in black, black, black,
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons,
All down her back, back, back.

She asked her mother, mother, mother,
For 50 cents, cents, cents
To see the elephants, elephants, elephants
Jump over the fence, fence, fence.

They jumped so high, high, high --
They reached the sky, sky, sky,
And didn't come back, back, back
'Til the 4th of July, -ly, -ly!

To play the clapping game, assign each child a partner. Then, follow this rhythm:

  1. First syllable -- Clap own hands together.
  2. Second syllable -- Cross arms in front of chest.
  3. Third syllable -- Clap own hands together.
  4. Fourth, fifth, and sixth syllables -- Clap hands with partner.
Return to The EFL Playhouse Chants for Young Learners

ESL4Kids@yahoo.com
You may use this material freely in your home or classroom; however, no portion of the material on this site is to be re-posted, reproduced, or sold without prior permission. 



125x125otcstandardbutton		 120x60 iTunes