One day not so long ago I had the boys on the city bus and the ride was getting rather long for their squirmy selves. I usually use thinking games (<— click on that link to get some suggestions) in a situation like this but I was a bit exhausted.
Suddenly I broke out into a tongue twister and the boys were riveted. I’m surprised I’d never thought of this before since my theater days were filled with tongue twisters for voice practice.
The boys kept crying “more, more!” and the rest of the ride was filled with giggles instead of groans. So next time you want a quick distraction that requires no props but the mouth on your face, try a few of these out on your kids. Here are some really short ones which are easy to remember. They are trickier than they look!
Two toads, totally tired.
I can think of six thin things and of six thick things too.
Selfish shellfish.
Mixed biscuits.
Pirates Private Property.
An ape hates grape cakes.
Toy boat. Toy boat. Toy boat.
Inchworms itching.
Shredded Swiss cheese.
And of course the classic:
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Did Peter Piper pick a peck of pickled peppers?
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
Say it five times fast!
Do your kids like tongue twisters? What are their favorites?
MrsYub says
Awesome! These are such fun!! Have you heard
A noise annoys an oyster, but a noisey noise annoys an oyster most? LOL!!!
Momand Kiddo says
That's a great one to add to the mix.
natural maker mom at Satsuma Designs says
LOVE this idea! How about New York, New York, you know i love unique New York.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Love that one and perfect for my NYC kids.
Jennifer says
She stood upon the balcony inexplicably mimicking him hiccuping while amicably welcoming him in!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I’ve never heard that one. I love it! Thanks for sharing.
Amy says
“Unique New York”
Erica MomandKiddo says
That’s a great one! 🙂
Lauren says
The Kids love this one, especially when they get the words twisted and it becomes really funny!
1 man he felt smart
2 smart men they felt smart
3 smart men they all felt smart
Keep saying it until you get the alternate ending!!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Fun!