Create a Silly Handshake

Jul 23, 201815 min activity

A high five, fist bump, or simple handshake are a few ways you can greet people. But for a special friend or family member, it can be fun to make up a one-of-a-kind silly handshake just for the two of you. Think of ways that you can use your hands, feet, legs, arms and even whole-body wiggles or jumps to make your special greeting. Then, put all of the motions together into a sequence that you can remember. Practice the motions in order until your silly handshake is just right.

Directions

Decide on a few single motions that you like. For example, practice a fist bump, a high five, clapping your hands, jumping, or spinning in a circle.

Practice some motions and then ask your child if they have more ideas. Play around with your favorite motions and think about how they can easily move into the next motion. For example, as you do a handshake, can the handshake naturally lead into a thumbs-up?

Next, put the motions into an order you can remember. The sequence of steps could be something like this: stand back-to-back and reach through your legs to shake hands, turn to face each other and do a high five, hook pinkies, and then give each other a thumbs-up.

Once you have decided on an order for the motions, keep practicing the steps to remember your handshake. Once you have mastered your silly handshake, teach the sequence to as many family members or friends as you can!

Explore Further

Silly handshakes are a fun way to connect with others. Talk to your child about the people in their lives and how they greet each other. Some people like to give hugs, high fives, handshakes, or just a smile to say hello. Does your child have a friend or family member they’d like to create a silly handshake with? Talk about other clubs or groups your child belongs to where they may greet their friends in a different way.

Want more “Arthur” activities? Make awards for everyday heroes and pretend to care for a baby to continue the fun!

Activity Type

Craft

Topics