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Design Resource
Indian Games
Culture of Play
by
Miss Mary Jab Choti Thi
Introduction:
Miss Mary Jab Choti Thi is a clapping game which is popular with the girls in the age group of 4 to 8. It can be played by 2 or more players sitting in a circle. This game involves singing of a song while clapping hands in a rhythmic pattern and acting out parts of the song.
How to Play:
Children gather in a circle to play this game. All children are equally involved at all times while playing this game by singing, clapping and acting. Children sing the song while clapping their hands in a rhythmic pattern and acting out while saying ‘Aisi Thi Baba Aisi Thi.’
The song sung by the children while playing this game:
Miss Mary jab choti thi, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi thi baba aisi thi (Action: cradling a baby in the arms)
Miss Mary jab bari hui, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi this baba aisi thi (Action: writing on the pam with fingers)
Miss Mary jab college ko gai, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi thi baba aisi thi (Action: applying lipstick in front of a mirror)
Miss Mary ki jab shaadi hui, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi thi baba aisi thi (Action: Lift the veil from the head)
Miss Mary jab boodhi hui, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi thi baba aisi thi (Action: Old woman walking with stick)
Miss Marry jab margayi, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi thi baba aisi thi (Action: Lying like a dead corpse)
Miss Mary jab bhooth bani, kaisi thi baba kaisi thi?
Aisi thi baba aisi thi? (Action: making a scary face and shouting boooo)
Variations:
Various variations in the clapping pattern are introduced in the game to suit the age group. The actions differ from place to place and depend solely on the group playing the game.
Conclusion:
Children learn to understand patterns and rhythms while playing this game. This game provides a platform for social interaction among children while having fun. Children of mixed age groups can easily adapt to each other in playing this game.
