How to Play Simon Says: Movement & Listening Game

Simon Says is a simple, no-equipment group game that encourages children to use listening skills to follow instructions and move their bodies. Ideal for play with 3-8 year olds, Simon Says is a great game for classroom movement breaks, PE warm-ups, birthday parties, and indoor or outdoor play.

Game Snapshot: Simon Says

Age: 3–8 years
Number of players: 5+ players
Space needed: Indoor or outdoor space large enough for each child to have their own space to stand without touching others
Equipment: None
Skills: Listening, self control, body awareness
Learning outcomes: When playing Simon Says, children have opportunity to develop:

• Listening skills: attending closely to and following spoken instructions
• Following rules: understanding and applying simple game rules
• Body awareness and co-ordination: moving different body parts on instruction
• Personal skills: participating appropriately in group activities

These outcomes align well with early childhood movement, social learning, and physical education objectives.

How to Play Simon Says

1. Select ‘Simon’: Choose one player (or adult) to be “Simon.” All other players stand facing Simon.
2. Begin play: Simon gives instructions such as, “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says jump on the spot.”

Players only follow instructions that begin with “Simon says.”

If Simon gives an instruction without saying “Simon says,” such as, “Sit down,” and a player follows the instruction, in this case by sitting down, that player is out for the remainder of the round.
3. Repeat: Continue until only one player remains, who then becomes the next Simon, or rotate who is Simon after a set time.

Movement Command Suggestions

Classroom Variations & Tips

Easier Version (ages 3–4 years)

• Remove the “out” rule: simply practise listening and moving
• Slow down instructions and exaggerate actions

Co-operative Version

• No one is out; players just pause and reset if they make a mistake
• Rotate the role of Simon frequently

Challenge Version (ages 6–8 years)

• Speed up instructions
• Add multi-step actions (“Simon says clap twice and jump”)
• Include balancing and cross-body movements, e.g. “Simon says stand on one leg,” and, “Simon says touch your left elbow to your right knee.”

Numeracy Variation

• Simon says jump 3 times
• Simon says count to 5 while marching on the spot
• Simon says make the shape of a triangle with your arms

Teaching Tips & Curriculum Links

• As Simon Says does not require much room to play, it’s ideal as a movement break to reset focus
• Play to reinforce listening and attention before seated learning
• Observe children’s ability to pause, wait, and respond appropriately
• Link to PE outcomes around movement control and co-ordination

More Games Like This

If your students enjoy Simon Says, try:

• Red Light, Green Light
• Freeze Tag
• What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?

Or explore the full Classic Outdoor Games for Preschool & Early Primary (ages 3-8) collection.