Brain breaks

Simon Says

Students follow commands only when they start with "Simon says". A zero-prep listening game that doubles as a movement break for younger grades and an ESL vocabulary drill.

  • πŸŽ“ Grades K–5
  • ⏱ 5–10 min
  • πŸ‘₯ Whole class
  • πŸ“¦ No prep
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How to play Simon Says

  1. Everyone stands up with room to move.
  2. The leader gives commands such as "Simon says touch your nose."
  3. Students follow a command only if it begins with "Simon says".
  4. If a student follows a command without "Simon says" (for example, "Jump!"), they sit down.
  5. The last student standing becomes the next leader.

Variations

  • ESL: use body parts, prepositions ("put your hand under your chair") or action verbs.
  • Math: "Simon says show me 7 fingers" or "Simon says make a right angle with your arms."

πŸ’‘ Teacher tips

  • Speed up the commands as the round goes on to make it harder.

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