Simon Says

Set up

Choose one player to be Simon. Everyone else stands in a line or a loose group facing Simon, with enough room to stretch their arms and hop without bumping anyone.

How to play

1. Simon gives an order that starts with “Simon says”, such as “Simon says touch your toes.” Everyone does it.
2. Simon sometimes gives an order without “Simon says”, such as “Touch your toes.” Nobody should move.
3. Anyone who follows an order without “Simon says”, or does the wrong action, is out and sits down.
4. Simon keeps the orders coming quickly and does the actions too, to make it harder.
5. The last player standing wins and becomes the next Simon.

How to be a good Simon

Speed is the trick. Give three or four “Simon says” orders in a row so players relax, then slip in one without the words. Do the action yourself as you say it: players copy what they see as much as what they hear. Keep the orders easy enough that everyone can do them, so the only way to go out is by listening badly.

Orders that work for most ages: touch your nose, hop on one foot, spin around, clap twice, pat your head, freeze, wave at someone, sit down, stand up.

Ways to change it

• Nobody is out: a player who is caught does five jumping jacks and joins in again. Better for children under five.
• Themed orders: at Christmas, “Simon says stir the pudding” or “Simon says be a reindeer”. In a classroom, use it to practice vocabulary or body parts.
• Opposite Simon: players do the opposite of every order. Only for older children who already know the game.
• Silent Simon: Simon shows the action without speaking the words, and nods for “Simon says”.

Who it suits, and who it doesn’t

Simon Says suits children from about three to eight, a classroom that needs a quick break, and a party that needs five minutes of calm movement. It needs no equipment and works in a small room. Older children tire of it quickly unless they get to be Simon. Children who are upset by being out early are better off with the version where nobody is out.