You all remember the Simon Says game, right? Well, if you’re a Gen-Xer like me….times have changed! And so have Simon Says Ideas. There are so many ways to play it now, including online Simon Says.
Simon Says is a classic children’s game that has been enjoyed for generations. As a child, I remember playing this game with my friends. The game is simple, yet challenging, and requires players to follow instructions quickly and accurately.
The game is typically played with a group of children, with one person acting as Simon and giving commands to the other players. The commands always start with “Simon says,” and the players must follow the instructions only if Simon says the phrase. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says,” and a player follows the instruction, they are out of the game.
Simon Says is a great game for children because it helps to develop their listening and following instructions skills. It is also a fun way to get children moving and active, as many of the commands involve physical movements such as jumping, hopping, and clapping.
Simon Says is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by children of all ages.
What is Simon Says Game?
As someone who has played Simon Says game countless times, I can confidently say that it is a classic children’s game that has been enjoyed for generations. The game is simple, yet challenging enough to keep players engaged and entertained.
In Simon Says game, one person takes on the role of “Simon” and gives commands to the other players. The catch is that the players should only follow the commands if they are preceded by the phrase “Simon says.”
For example, if Simon says “Simon says touch your nose,” the players should touch their nose. However, if Simon simply says “touch your nose” without the phrase “Simon says,” the players should not touch their nose.
The goal of the game is to eliminate players by tricking them into following commands that do not include the phrase “Simon says.” The last player standing becomes the new Simon for the next round.
You don’t have to play with an elimination element to it if that is not right for the group of kids you’re working with.
Simon Says ideas are important because not only is it listening and matching skills, but it can help a child improve their executive function skills.
Following instructions, motor planning, listening and information processing, planning, locomotion and locomotor skills, copying/matching the idea…it’s all an important part of executive functioning.
How to Play Simon Says Game
To play Simon Says game, you need at least two players. One player will be the leader, and the other players will be the followers. The leader will give commands to the followers, but the followers should only follow the commands that start with the phrase “Simon says.”
If the leader gives a command without saying “Simon says,” and a follower follows that command, they are out of the game.
To start the game, the leader will say “Simon says, [command].” The followers should follow the command. The leader can give any command they want, such as “Simon says, touch your nose,” “Simon says, jump on one foot,” or “Simon says, pat your head and rub your belly at the same time.”
The leader can also try to trick the followers by giving commands without saying “Simon says.” For example, the leader might say “Touch your toes,” and if a follower touches their toes, they are out of the game.
The leader can also try to catch the followers off guard by giving commands quickly or by giving commands that are hard to follow.
Of course, if an adult is present, they should be mindful of the skill sets of the children playing and keep the skills to things that the children can achieve.
Simon Says Game Ideas
As I researched the Simon Says game, I found that there are many variations of the game that people play. Here are a few variations that I came across:
- Reverse Simon Says: In this variation, the leader says a command without saying “Simon says.” If any player follows the command, they are out. This variation requires players to listen carefully to the leader’s commands.
- Speed Simon Says: In this variation, the leader gives commands at a faster pace than usual. Players must react quickly to keep up with the pace of the game.
- Body Part Simon Says: In this variation, the leader gives commands for players to touch different body parts instead of performing actions. For example, the leader could say, “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says touch your elbow.” This variation is great for younger players who may not be able to perform more complex actions.
- Simon Says with Props: In this variation, the leader uses props to make the game more interesting. For example, the leader could say, “Simon says touch the red ball” or “Simon says jump over the blue hoop.” This variation requires players to pay attention to both the leader’s commands and the location of the props.
Simon Says Cards PDF
Here is the free PDF of cards with Simon Says Ideas. And here is SET 2.
If it is not showing for you, you may need to switch browsers or turn off an ad blocker.
The Simon Says game is a fun and engaging way to improve listening skills and reaction time. These variations can add an extra level of excitement and challenge to the game.
How to Improve Executive Function Skills
- Simon Says Ideas: Free Printable List and Simon Says Card PDF
- 20 Popular Critical Thinking Games
- How to Teach Executive Functioning Skills (at Home)
- 20 Executive Functioning Strategies to Add to Your IEP
- Printable List of Executive Functioning Accommodations for an IEP or 504 Plan
- Task Avoidance Behavior: Replacement Behaviors, IEP Accommodations and More.
- What is ADHD Overwhelm and How do you Overcome It?
- How to Teach Task Initiation
- Difficulty Following Instructions? 15 Ways to Increase a Child’s Ability to Follow Directions
- 5 Easy Strategies: How to Improve Matching Skills
- How to Teach Inference for Kids (Picture Cards + IEP Accommodations)
- Stay Organized and Productive with these Free ADHD To-Do List Templates (PDFs)
- 40 Working Memory IEP Accommodations (PDF)
- 17 Work Completion IEP Accommodations (Preferred and Non-Preferred Tasks)
- How to Improve Slow Processing Speed in Kids at School and at Home
- What is an Executive Functioning Coach and What do they Do?
- How to Overcome Task Paralysis, an Important Executive Function
- Study Skills and Note-Taking: IEP and 504 Plan Accommodations and Strategies
- 60 Free Graphic Organizer Template PDFs
- 10 Common Executive Function Assessments Parents Should Know About
- Time Blindness and ADHD or Autism: How to Manage It
- 20 Free Apps for Executive Function Skill Deficits for Students and Adults
- Improve Focus and Attention: 10 IEP Accommodations and Strategies
- 20 IEP and 504 Plan Accommodations for Impulse Control
- Beyond Checkers and Chess: 8 Unusual and Educational Board Games for Older Kids