Teachers know that quick fun activities are needed throughout the day to give students a break. Children at home need breaks also from chores and tasks or just an activity that includes friends. This idea works best with 5 or more people and encourages rhythm patterns, memory skills, a chance to dramatize, and decision making while also being the center of attention. You might even remember playing this game while you were a youngster!!!

Begin by putting everyone in a circle and start the following rhythm – 2 slaps with your palms on your thighs, 2 hand claps, and a snap of 2 fingers – first with right hand finger snap and next with left hand finger snap.

Keep this rhythm going with all participants for about a minute.

Once the rhythm is good for all players add the following verse.

The verse has a leader, which changes, and a refrain.

Leader speaks while keeping the rhythm with their hands.

Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?
(Call out a name of someone playing)

Kristin stole the cookies from the cookie jar.
(Selected name says)

Who me???
(Everyone says)

YES YOU
(Selected name says)

COULDN’T BE
(Everyone asks)

Then WHO?
(Selected name then calls out a name of someone present – no repeats of names)

Debi
(Everyone says)

Debi stole the cookies from the cookie jar.
(Debi or selected name says)

Who Me??

And continues until all have had a turn or 4 or 5 times.

It’s fun to put a cookie jar out – and sometimes not all the cookies are stolen and there can be a treat….and other times all the cookies were stolen.