Change 3 Things

Child development / Drama games / Change three things

This playful partner game boosts memory, attention to detail and imaginative thinking.

In Change 3 Things, children take turns making three changes to their pose or expression while the other tries to spot them.

The children must look closely, remember details and notice even the smallest shifts. The game builds observation skills, memory and social connection through laughter and surprise.

How to play

1. Find a partner

Ask the children to find someone to work with and face each other.

2. Explain the challenge

Say to the group, "When I say "Change 3 Things", one of you will turn around and not peek. The other person will change three things about their pose or expression."

3. Give examples

Some easy changes might be:

Arms up instead of down
One eye closed
Tongue sticking out
Standing on one foot

4. Try it out

Choose one child in each pair to go first. Their partner turns around and changes three things. Then the guesser turns back and has to work out what's different.

5. Swap roles

Once they've guessed, switch over so everyone gets a turn.

6. Switch partners

After a round, mix up the pairs to play with someone new.

What it teaches

Observation and memory - noticing small changes
Focus and attention - staying present and thoughtful
Physical awareness - understanding body position
Imagination and expression - making creative changes
Turn-taking and cooperation - sharing roles respectfully

Variations to try

Change 1 Thing or Change 5 Things for added challenge
Emotion edition: Change your facial expression only
Character twist: Become a pirate, robot, or animal when you turn around

Principal's notes

This game is brilliant for building concentration and visual memory. Children love catching their friends out and thinking of new ways to surprise them!

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.