Riddles - Make Up Your Own

On rainy days, during long drives, or on walks home from school I sometimes encourage the children in my care to make up riddles. Usually I do not suggest this activity unless the children I’m watching are at least five years old, due to the cognitive capabilities that are needed to make up, understand, and figure out riddles.

For first time riddle makers, I’ll suggest thinking of the game like it is “eye spy” – and have the kids focus on telling a riddle about an object or person that they can see. An easy example to give kids is the following: “Its hands are always moving, passing numbers as they go”. It’s helpful to use this one when there is a clock in the room (not a digital one though) and to keep glancing at the clock – or offer suggestions as to what the answer to the riddle might be.

This can really end up being a creative and fun pastime for children and can evolve into something bigger (like a scavenger hunt using riddles as clues).