Simon Says (Moves)
Simon Says with movement commands only: hop, balance, stretch, jump, march. No equipment, any room, and nobody is out for long.
Overview
You need
No equipment needed
Skills developed
- Listening: acting only on "Simon says"
- Body control: a wide range of movements
- Self-regulation: stopping and starting
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Children spread out facing the coach.
2Step 2
Coach at the front, ready with a list of moves.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- "Simon says hop on one foot." Everyone hops. "Stretch up tall" (no Simon): anyone who stretches does two star jumps and rejoins.
- Moves: march, hop, jump, balance on one leg, touch toes, spin, tiptoe, crouch, arms in circles.
- Let a child be Simon.
Tips for explaining
"Listen for the magic words." Ears first, then body.
"Show me your best one." Quality of the move counts.
Make it easier / harder
EasierAlways say "Simon says". No catching out.
HarderTwo moves at once. Faster.
Safety
Enough space for arms out. Skip spinning on slippery floors.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.