Who Stole the Cookie?

Target Words

crime, accuse, guilty, innocent, truth

Materials

None

Directions

In this pretend crime game, kids talk about why someone might be innocent or guilty. Encourage your kids to use the targeted words as much as possible as they act out the scene.

1. Think of a silly crime.
   (The chocolate chip cookies are gone!)
2. Accuse another person.
   (I accuse you! You did it!)
3. Tell everyone why you think that person is guilty.
   (I know you're guilty because you have chocolate on your lip!)
4. Give that person a chance to say why they're innocent.
   (No, I'm innocent! That chocolate is from a candy bar I just ate.)
5. If more people are playing, let them decide who's telling the truth.
   (She's really innocent because I found the candy bar wrapper.)

Act out as many rounds as you want, thinking of your own crimes or using these to get started:

• The dog's fur has been dyed blue!
• There's mud all over the bed!
• The flowers have all been picked!
• There's a donut in the fish tank!

Extension

To take the story further, act out a trial in court. Think of all the evidence, reasons why the person is guilty or innocent, and each side can try to prove their case. You can also have witnesses who saw what happened. Then have a judge and jury decide who wins. Keep using the targeted words from above as well as:
Trial, Evidence, Prove, Witness, Judge, Jury

Related Books

• Crime Lab: Catch a Thief
  by Hunter S. Fulgham
• Detective LaRue: Letters From the Investigation
  by Mark Teague