Secret Leader

Child development / Drama games / Secret leader

Secret Leader is a fun observation and concentration game where children watch carefully and try to spot who is leading the movements.

By noticing small changes and copying actions closely, they practise focus, quick reactions and subtle communication.

Child and drama teacher playing a movement game

How to play

1. Stand together

Find a space where you and your child can stand facing each other.

2. Choose the guesser

Decide who will be the guesser first. Ask them to turn around or close their eyes.

3. Choose the leader

The other person becomes the secret leader and thinks of a movement to begin with.

4. Begin the movements

The secret leader starts making subtle movements.

For example:

Tapping knees
Shrugging shoulders
Clapping softly
Nodding

5. Copy the movements

The guesser turns back around and watches carefully while the leader changes between different actions.

6. Guess the leader

If you are playing with more than two people, everyone copies the secret leader while the guesser tries to work out who is leading.

If you are playing with just your child, take turns leading and challenge each other to spot exactly when the movement changes.

7. Swap roles

Take turns being the leader and the guesser.

What it teaches

Observation and concentration
Subtle communication
Listening and focus
Quick reactions
Coordination
Awareness of others

Variations to try

Mirror challenge - Copy each other's movements as closely as possible.
Slow changes - Make each movement change very subtly to make it harder to spot.
Silent round - Complete the whole game without speaking.

Principal's notes

Encourage children to change movements subtly and avoid staring directly at the leader. The activity works best when the group moves smoothly together like one unit. This is excellent for developing ensemble awareness and concentration.

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.