Chant: Who Stole the Cookies?

Make sure this is done with mock seriousness so children won't feel accused.

Materials

Who* stole the cookies* from the cookie* jar*? (Look puzzled, shrug shoulders.)
(Child’s name*) stole the cookies* from the cookie* jar*. (Point to child, smile.)
Not I* stole the cookies* from the cookie* jar*. (Child responds on tempo.)
Then who* stole the cookies* from the cookie* jar*? (Look puzzled, etc.)

Repeat
(New name) stole the cookies from the cookie jar.

Procedures

1. * indicates when to clap. Fit the words into the steady 1-2-3-4 clapping rhythm. Keep the rhythm going, pausing only for child's response. Mouth child's response with him/her and offer lots of encouragement and appreciation when he/she succeeds in responding on or off the beat! Make sure everyone is included in being accused and keep the strong beats going.

(NOTE: Make sure this is done with mock seriousness so children won't feel accused.)

 


Variation

The above version emphasizes complete sentences and longer responses. The more familiar version has shorter responses and a faster rhythm: it’s often used to challenge children to keep up the rhythm.



Teacher: Who* stole the cookies* from the (pause*) cookie jar*?

T: (Child 1) stole the cookies* from the (pause*) cookie jar*.



Child 1: Who me*?

T: Yes you*.

C 1: Couldn’t be*!

T: Then who*?

C 1: (Child 2) stole the cookies* from the (pause*) cookie jar*.

(Repeat: Who me*? Yes you*, etc.)