Simon says
A competitive game where staying focused is key
- 3+ years
- Group size: 5+
- Duration: 10 min
- Alternative physical activities
- Folk game
- Mountains, forests and fields
- Gym / Sports hall
- Open space
- Snow / ice
- Water
One person is chosen to be Simon. Simon decides which movements the others should make – but they should only perform the movement when the command starts with "Simon says…".
If Simon says, for example: "Stand on one leg!", everyone must stand perfectly still. However, if Simon says: "Simon says: Stand on one leg!", everyone must perform the movement.
Everyone must be able to see Simon, but most importantly, they must listen to what Simon says. Anyone who makes a mistake – either by moving without Simon saying "Simon says", or by failing to move when the command started with "Simon says" – is out of the game. The game continues until only one participant remains.
Simon can try to trick the others by performing one movement while saying another. Those who pay close attention will do what Simon says – not what Simon does.
The participants stand in a line a short distance away from Simon. Simon's commands can be varied according to imagination and age. For example:
- Different types of steps toward Simon: "Simon says: Three mouse steps forward", "Two scissor steps", "One elephant step", etc.
- Colors (or letters for older children): "Simon says: Those wearing something red can take two steps forward."
- Other themes: "Those who have eaten breakfast can take two elephant steps forward," etc.
The first person to reach Simon can be Simon in the next round.