Sitting together, the group chants a playful rhyme to accuse one another of stealing the cookies and each child invents a creative excuse to prove their innocence.
This game is playful, imaginative and perfect for practising clear speech, turn-taking and improvisation.
Ideal for circle time, this game encourages teamwork and gives every child the chance to speak, perform and stretch their imagination while solving a delicious mystery.
1. Form a circle
Children sit in a circle facing inwards.
2.Set the scene
Tell the group in a dramatic whisper: "Someone has stolen the cookie jar ... and we need to find out who it was!"
3. Explain the rules
Tell the children that if they didn't take the cookies, they'll need to explain what they were doing instead!
4. Teach the chant
As a group, children practise saying: "Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?"
The adult then points to a child and says: "[Name] stole the cookies from the cookie jar!"
5. Model the response
The chosen child replies in surprise, "Who, me?"
The group responds, "Yes, you!"
The child says, "No, not me! I was [insert excuse]". For example, "No, not me! I was playing football."
6. Keep the rhythm going
The group returns to the chant and chooses the next child.
7. Give everyone a turn
Continue until each child has been accused and given their creative excuse.
This simple circle game is full of fun, laughter and spontaneous storytelling. It's a brilliant way to get every child involved, especially those who need a gentle confidence boost.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
