Let’s Play Simon Says

Next time your preschooler pleads “Let’s play Simon Says“, you can sneak in some learning with this classic game preschoolers can play.

Simon Says is a wonderful game for those bad weather days you don’t want to go outside and play.

It doesn’t require any special equipment, teaches kids to pay attention, and preschool kids adore it.

Simon Says

The idea behind this classic game is simple. If the leader (you) says Simon Says followed by a command your preschoolers need to touch their toes. On the other hand if you don’t say it, your kids are not to follow the command.

Simon Says touch your toes! – Everyone touches their toes

Touch your toes! – No one touches their toes

As I mentioned, it’s a marvelous way to encourage kids to listen closely to what you’re saying.

Simon Says and Chores

This game isn’t just a simple game to have kids touch their toes or clap their hands. You can use the game during chore time by telling your children what to pick up.

You could say Simon Says pick up a red car, or Simon Says pick up blocks. Remember to drop the Simon Says from time to time and see if which kids are paying attention.

Simon Says and Colors

If you have a child working on colors, use this game to solidify their knowledge of colors. For instance call out Simon Says touch the color red or Simon Says pick up a blue pen.

When the kids know their basic colors try advanced color vocabulary such as the sapphire pen or touching the ruby crayon.

Remember to try and trick the kids by not using the phrase Simon Says periodically.

Simon Says and Counting

Work on counting skills while playing. Have the kids jump up and down three or four times while counting aloud. Clap your hands ten times. You can also have the kids stomp their feet twenty times or count by tens.

If you’re ambitious, combine Simon Says, chores, and counting. Ask the children to pick up ten cars, 5 dolls, and 15 blocks.

Simon Says and the Alphabet

This game also provides a fun way to teach the alphabet. Have Simon tell the children to recite the alphabet, search for letters, and practice phonics. Kids can find magnetic letters on the fridge, letters on books, or even draw letters on a piece of paper.

You can even have the kids move on to simple words after they’ve mastered the alphabet. It might be wise to ‘seed’ the area first though. Leave books out with the words you’re going to ask for clearly visible or write the words using magnetic letters on the fridge.

Simon Says is a fun and versatile game to play on bad weather days. You and your children will have a blast playing it, especially if you keep it lively and silly.

Have you played Simon Says with your children?

Tara

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.