Simon Says
focus game for kids 4+
Only join in when the sentence starts with “Simon says”.
In short
Simon Says is a well-known game with no materials, where your child only joins in when the sentence starts with “Simon says.” You give simple commands about moving and touching. The game suits preschoolers, indoors or outside. It practices listening closely, putting the brakes on a quick impulse and keeping a rule in mind.
What you need
- Nothingjust the two of you
How to play
- You give commands: “touch your nose”, “jump twice”.
The full instructions are in the printable pack
3 more steps and 3 ideas to make it harder in the printable pack
All further steps and the ideas to make it harder are in the printable pack, together with all sheets to print.
See the printable packWhen it fits
- When the mood heats up while waiting for dinner and you need a quick game with no prep.
- At the playground or in the park, when several kids are together and looking for something to do as a group.
- On a rainy day indoors, when your child wants to move but there is no room to run wild.
What your child practices
- Impulse control
- Listening
- Working memory
Listen first, then act: kids need this every day. At circle time in preschool, in gym class or at the crosswalk, what matters is not jumping in right away. At the same time, a rule has to stay in mind while something else is going on. Simon Says wraps this into a game many kids already know and like to play again.
Works well before or after
Afterward, The Opposite Game makes braking even trickier. For a calm finish, try Statue Poses.