Pease Porridge Hot

Clap and Play – The Game’s the Thing

For most listeners, this rhyme is merely a series of rhythmic nonsense sounds. As such, it lends itself to a simple clapping game seen in these illustrations. Look carefully at these images and check their original publication dates. Then ask yourself:

• Is there any visual reference to pease porridge, or any food, in the picture?
• Who are the people, other than those playing the game, in the illustration? What are they doing?
• Does the clothing of the subjects give any clues to time and/or place?
• Do furnishings of the room, children’s toys, etc. give additional clues to the setting?
• Do the contents of the illustrations correspond to the dates of publication?