Zip Zip Zonk!

Name and Purpose

Zip Zip Zonk! is a silly focus game that builds concentration, self-awareness, and laughter.
Players practise keeping a straight face, staying present, and working with the group’s energy.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-15 minutes | Indoor or outdoor seated circle; chairs or floor seating both work

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Group sits in a circle, everyone covers their teeth with their lips for the whole game.
First player says ‘zip’ (sounds like ‘zaip’ with covered teeth) to pass the energy clockwise.
Any player can say ‘zonk’ to reverse the direction.
A player whose teeth are spotted by another becomes a Teeth Referee: they watch the circle and call out the next slip.
Last player remaining in the main circle is the champion.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

The group sits in a circle. Everyone tucks their lips over their teeth and keeps them there for the entire round.
The first player passes the energy by saying ‘zip’ to the next person clockwise. With teeth covered, it sounds more like ‘zaip.’
Any player can say ‘zonk’ at any time to reverse the direction. The energy immediately heads back the other way.
If a player’s teeth are spotted, another player calls it by bending their arm up so their hand touches their shoulder and slapping their elbow, then saying ‘teeth.’
The spotted player becomes a Teeth Referee. As a Referee, they sit just outside the circle, watch carefully, and are the official voice for the next catch.
After a catch is made as a Referee, the Referee may step back into the circle at the next round start if they want.
Play continues until only a few players remain in the main circle. Those players are the Zip Zip Zonk champions.

I-OPt Options

Start: A (Active) , dive in and try to be the fastest zipper | S (Support) , help keep the pace steady so newcomers can follow | Q (Quiet) , pass calmly and enjoy the silliness | O (Observer) , watch the first round to understand the rhythm before joining
Mid: A (Active) , use ‘zonk’ strategically to catch players off-guard | S (Support) , as Referee, watch carefully and make fair calls | Q (Quiet) , keep your teeth covered and stay steady | O (Observer) , clap along to the rhythm from outside the circle
Late: A (Active) , push for the championship | S (Support) , cheer on those still in | Q (Quiet) , enjoy the calm of watching the final players | O (Observer) , count down the remaining players with the group
End: A (Active) , celebrate the champions and lead the debrief | S (Support) , help gather the group | Q (Quiet) , share one word or a thumbs-up | O (Observer) , listen in

Inclusion Adaptations

Players with dental appliances or jaw sensitivity can play without the teeth-covering rule and instead hum their ‘zip’ sounds to stay included.
Players with hearing differences can use a visual signal (pointed finger in the direction of ‘zip’) alongside the vocal call.

Stewardship Moment

No materials means no cleanup needed.
Reflect: ‘We all held focus on one tiny thing for the whole game. What helps you stay focused when things get silly around you?’

Consent

Pre-brief: ‘This game involves making a slightly silly face for the whole round. For those not comfortable with the teeth-covering rule, humming your zip is another option that works just as well.’
Mid-game check: After a few rounds, pause. ‘How is everyone going? Comfortable with the pace?’
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step into the Referee role at any point, not just when their teeth are spotted. They can return to the circle at the next round start.

Risks and Mitigation

Players feel embarrassed when spotted: frame it as a celebration in the pre-brief; Referees are a valued role, not a penalty.
Disputes over whether teeth were visible: the Referee has the final call. Teach this early.
Pace becomes too fast and chaotic: staff can call a brief pause to reset the energy.

Warm-Up Suggestions

‘Lip Roll’: everyone rolls their lips over their teeth and tries to say their name clearly. Good-natured laughter welcome.
‘Sound Pass’: one person makes a sound, the next copies it and adds their own; go around the circle.

Debrief Questions

What? ‘What happened when someone called out teeth? What changed in the circle?’
So What? ‘What does it take to hold focus on something small when there’s a lot going on around you?’
Now What? ‘Where in your daily life do you need that kind of quiet concentration?’

Cleanup and Reset