By playing detective, children practise asking questions, listening closely and remembering facts, all while enjoying a fun and lively challenge.
This game is ideal for encouraging focus, teamwork and quick thinking in a playful setting.
1. Set the stage
Ask the group: "What kind of questions would a detective ask?"
Then split the children into two lines facing each other so that everyone has a partner.
2. Question time
Call out three pieces of information for the pairs to discover. For example:
Give them 30 seconds to interview their partner.
3. Share their findings
When time is up, choose one or two pairs to share what they discovered about each other.
4. Shift and repeat
One line shifts one person to the left, creating new partners.
This time, give them a fresh set of three questions. For example:
Repeat for several rounds so everyone gets to practise with different partners.
Speed Detective is brilliant for bonding new groups and encouraging quick thinking. It's ideal for warm-ups and early rehearsals when children are still getting to know each other.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
