Peeka Peeka

Name and Purpose

Peeka Peeka is a rhythm and coordination circle game that mixes movement, focus, and laughter.
Players practise listening, reacting quickly, and staying engaged while others take the spotlight.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-15 minutes | Standing or seated circle, any flat space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Teach the three elements: “peeka” hand-mouth gesture, “chunga” side-hand motion, and free player role.
One player starts with the “peeka” and passes it to someone in the circle.
The two players on either side of the active “peeka” player do the “chunga” motion.
The “peeka” keeps moving; players must stay alert.
Anyone who misses their cue joins the Second Circle and keeps the beat.

Setup and Boundaries

Players stand or sit in a circle with clear sight lines to everyone
Signal: one clap = pause and reset; two claps = stop and come together
Ensure the circle is not too large; players should be able to see facial expressions clearly

How to Play

Staff demonstrates all three actions before play starts:
- Peeka gesture: clasp both hands with fingers touching (like a mouth opening and closing). Say “peeka peeka” while doing this to yourself, then point the gesture outward toward another player while saying “peeka peeka” again to pass it.
- Chunga motion: both hands move rhythmically in a side-to-side “Johnny Bravo” style motion, repeated twice (“chunga chunga, chunga chunga”), directed at the player currently holding the “peeka.”
- Free player: all other players stay alert and ready.
One player starts with the “peeka” and passes it to anyone in the circle.
The two players immediately beside the “peeka” holder automatically become “chunga” players.
Players must switch roles instantly: if the “peeka” comes to you, you switch from “chunga” to “peeka.”
If a player misses their “peeka” or “chunga” cue, they step back to the Second Circle.
Second Circle players keep the beat by clapping or doing the “chunga” motion from outside, supporting the energy of the group.
After a set time (about 5 minutes) or when three players remain in the main circle, start a new round and re-enter all Second Circle players.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Participate fully in the circle, sending and receiving “peeka”
S (Support): Help newer players learn the gestures; be the one to call a slow-down practice round
Q (Quiet): Stay in the circle but focus only on your “chunga” role when beside the active player
O (Observer): Watch from outside the circle; do the “chunga” motion from outside to stay engaged without pressure

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot make the hand gestures may substitute a verbal signal (e.g., saying “peeka” while pointing) or a head nod
The game can be played seated with the same motions adapted to a lap-based movement

Stewardship Moment

No materials used; take 30 seconds to note how much fun was had with just hands and voices
Reflection: “What else can we create with just the people in this room?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves quick movements and calling out. For those not comfortable with being the centre of attention, starting as a “chunga” player or watching from outside is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first full pass around the circle, pause and check in with a thumbs up or sideways.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step to the Second Circle at any time and re-join at the next round start.

Risks and Mitigation

Players confused by the role-switch: staff runs a slow practice round before playing at full speed
Players in the Second Circle feeling disengaged: actively involve them as rhythm-keepers and cheerleaders
Disagreements about whether a cue was missed: staff makes the final call gently; the goal is fun, not strict elimination

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Two-Clap Echo”: staff claps a pattern, players echo it; builds the listening and timing needed for this game
“Pass the Clap”: pass a single clap around the circle as fast as possible; simple version of the passing dynamic

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when the “peeka” started moving faster? What changed for you?”
So What? “What helped you stay focused when you weren’t the one holding the “peeka”?”
Now What? “When in real life do you need to be ready to act even when it’s not your turn yet?”

Cleanup and Reset