Drawing telephone: print and play

Watch a sentence become a drawing, then a new sentence. Includes a six-panel folding sheet.

Suggested group: 4–6 players per circle
Plan for: 15–20 minutes
Bring: One printed sheet and pen per player

Set up and play

Give each player a six-panel sheet. Everyone writes an original sentence in panel 1.
Pass sheets in one agreed direction. The next player draws that sentence in panel 2.
Fold panel 1 out of sight. Pass again; the next player describes only the drawing in panel 3.
Continue alternating drawing and writing. Keep all earlier panels hidden.
Stop after panel 6. With four or five players, someone may see their own sheet again; do not peek at older panels.

Finish the game

Open each chain together and compare its beginning with its final drawing. This is a shared reveal, with no winner needed.

Your printable materials

Original starter materials below. Print at 100% scale; turn off browser headers and footers. Select Letter or A4. Review the preview before making a batch.

Paper size

Drawing telephone · six-panel chain

Print one sheet per player. Fold completed panels behind the sheet so only the newest panel is visible. Pass the full sheet in the same direction.

1 · Write a sentence

Invent a short, playful scene.

2 · Draw the sentence

Look only at the previous sentence.

3 · Write a sentence

Look only at the previous drawing.

4 · Draw the sentence

Look only at the previous sentence.

5 · Write a sentence

Look only at the previous drawing.

6 · Draw the sentence

Look only at the previous sentence.

Try another game

Back-to-back drawing · Browse all 30 games

Make room for everyone

Invite guests to take a turn or pass. Explain the rules before starting, choose materials that suit your group, and offer a seated or read-aloud option when helpful.