Mili Mili Pātea

Supplies

• None needed.

• Works best with a group sitting or standing in a circle.

Key Actions

• Mili mili (Miri Miri): Rub your hands together.

• Pātia: Clap your hands once.

• Lua pātia: Clap twice.

• Tolu, tolu, fa: Clap three times, three times, then four times (with some claps cupped for different sounds).

How to Play

1. Choose a Leader

   • A staff member or child starts as the caller.

   • The leader calls one of the actions (e.g., “Mili mili!”) and does it at the same time.

2. Follow the Leader

   • Everyone else repeats the action immediately, keeping in rhythm with the leader.

3. Keep the Rhythm

   • The game relies on staying in time – claps and rubs should match the beat.

   • You can add a steady drum beat or clapping to help younger kids.

4. Change the Leader

   • After a few rounds, swap the leader to keep everyone engaged.

5. Increase the Speed

   • Once everyone has the hang of it, the leader can start calling faster and faster.

   • The group must keep up without breaking rhythm.

6. Add Variety

   • Mix actions in any order (e.g., “Mili mili, pātia, lua pātia!”).

   • Try tricking the group by calling a faster sequence.