Who stole the cookies ?

This is a game which can be played in any seating format but is best played with everyone sitting in a circle. It is a game which encourages rhythm and coordination. With young children it is probably best to do without the clapping actions until they understand the what to say.

The Rhyme

( choose someone to begin: person A )

Group : Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar ?
Person A : (name of a child in the group ) stole the cookies from the cookie jar.
Named
Child : Who me ?
Group : Yes you !
Named
Child : Couldn't have been ?
Group : Then who ?
Named
Child : (New Name ) stole the cookies from the cookie jar.

The rhyme is repeated and repeated and repeated.
I Have played this with children ( both native speakers and EFL ) many times and they do not tire of it. They can keep going for ever.

When they are confident with the words then add the actions :

One slap of the knees one clap and one click of the fingers as you say the rhyme.This accomapnies the rhyme throughout.
(played this around 11 years ago with a year two class, who got muddled but in enjoyed playing.)