The Ultimate List of Simon Says Ideas for Preschool

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help your preschoolers learn important skills? Look no further than Simon Says! This classic game has been a favorite of children for generations, and for good reason. Not only is it a blast to play, but it also helps develop key cognitive, social, and physical skills. We have a list of 100 Simon Says ideas for preschool to get you started!

In this article, we’ll provide you with the ultimate list of Simon Says commands for learning skills in preschool. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you’ll find plenty of creative ideas to make learning fun and exciting for your little ones. From developing core skills through play to keeping Simon Says fresh and challenging, we’ll cover all the bases. So grab your little ones and get ready to play!

Key Takeaways

• Simon Says is a fun and engaging game that can help preschoolers learn important skills.
• By using creative Simon Says commands, you can teach children everything from counting and colors to following directions and social skills.
• To keep Simon Says fresh and challenging, try incorporating new commands and variations on the classic game.

Getting Started with Simon Says

Understanding the Basics of the Game

Simon Says is a classic childhood game that can be played by all ages, both indoors and outdoors. The game involves a leader who gives instructions to the participants, but only if the instructions are preceded by the phrase “Simon says.” The participants must follow the instructions only if they hear the phrase “Simon says.” If they follow an instruction without hearing “Simon says,” they are out of the game. The last participant standing is the winner.

Setting Up for Success

To set up for a successful game of Simon Says, it is important to choose a safe environment with proper supervision. Make sure that the area is free of hazards and that the participants have enough space to move around. It is also important to establish the rules of the game before starting and make sure that all participants understand them.

Role of the Leader and Participants

The leader of the game is responsible for giving instructions and maintaining order. It is important for the leader to speak clearly and loudly so that all participants can hear the instructions. The participants, on the other hand, must listen carefully and follow the instructions only if they hear “Simon says.”

Simon Says Commands Overview

There are many different Simon Says commands that can be used to teach a variety of skills in preschool. Some examples include “Simon says touch your toes,” “Simon says hop on one foot,” and “Simon says spin around.” These commands can be modified to suit the needs and abilities of the participants.

Safety Considerations

While Simon Says is a fun and engaging game, it is important to consider safety when playing. Make sure that the instructions are appropriate for the age and abilities of the participants. Avoid commands that could cause injury or harm, such as “Simon says run into a wall.” It is also important to supervise the game to ensure that all participants are following the rules and playing safely.

100 Simon Says Ideas for Preschoolers

Looking for some engaging and exciting Simon Says commands to keep your preschoolers active while improving their skills? Here are some fun and creative ideas that you can use:

1. Simon Says Ideas for Body Awareness

1. Simon says touch your nose.
2. Simon says wiggle your fingers.
3. Simon says blink your eyes.
4. Simon says pat your head.
5. Simon says stomp your feet.
6. Simon says shrug your shoulders.
7. Simon says open and close your mouth.
8. Simon says bend your knees.
9. Simon says stretch your arms up high.
10. Simon says twist your waist.

2. Simon Says Ideas for Gross Motor Skills

1. Simon says hop on one foot.
2. Simon says crawl like a baby.
3. Simon says jump as high as you can.
4. Simon says run in place.
5. Simon says do a somersault.
6. Simon says spin around.
7. Simon says march like a soldier.
8. Simon says clap your hands while jumping.
9. Simon says sway like a tree.
10. Simon says pretend to swim.

3. Simon Says Ideas for Emotional Expression

1. Simon says smile as wide as you can.
2. Simon says show a surprised face.
3. Simon says act scared.
4. Simon says laugh out loud.
5. Simon says look sad.
6. Simon says make a silly face.
7. Simon says pretend to cry.
8. Simon says show an angry face.
9. Simon says look confused.
10. Simon says express excitement.

4. Simon Says Ideas for Color and Shape Recognition

1. Simon says touch something red.
2. Simon says find a circle in the room.
3. Simon says point to a square object.
4. Simon says hold up something blue.
5. Simon says clap for every green item you see.
6. Simon says jump next to a triangular shape.
7. Simon says find something yellow.
8. Simon says touch a rectangular object.
9. Simon says wave at something purple.
10. Simon says blink for every round item you spot.

5. Simon Says Ideas for Animal Imitation

1. Simon says roar like a lion.
2. Simon says flap your wings like a bird.
3. Simon says hop like a kangaroo.
4. Simon says slither like a snake.
5. Simon says neigh like a horse.
6. Simon says buzz like a bee.
7. Simon says walk like a penguin.
8. Simon says swim like a fish.
9. Simon says bark like a dog.
10. Simon says meow like a cat.

6. Simon Says Ideas for Numeracy Skills

1. Simon says clap twice.
2. Simon says jump three times.
3. Simon says spin around four times.
4. Simon says touch five objects.
5. Simon says take six steps forward.
6. Simon says count to seven out loud.
7. Simon says find eight circles.
8. Simon says snap your fingers nine times.
9. Simon says do ten jumping jacks.
10. Simon says count backwards from five.

7. Simon Says Ideas for Healthy Habits

1. Simon says pretend to brush your teeth.
2. Simon says act like you’re washing your hands.
3. Simon says mime eating a healthy snack.
4. Simon says stretch your muscles.
5. Simon says take deep breaths.
6. Simon says drink an imaginary glass of water.
7. Simon says show how you put on sunscreen.
8. Simon says demonstrate how to put on a coat.
9. Simon says act out a bedtime routine.
10. Simon says pretend to comb your hair.

8. Simon Says Ideas for Crossing the Midline

1. Simon says touch your left foot with your right hand.
2. Simon says draw a circle in front of you with both hands meeting in the middle.
3. Simon says clap your hands behind your back.
4. Simon says touch your right ear with your left hand.
5. Simon says swipe your hands across your body like windshield wipers.
6. Simon says draw an imaginary line from your left shoulder to your right hip.
7. Simon says pass an imaginary object from one hand to the other in front of your body.
8. Simon says touch your opposite knees.
9. Simon says make an X in the air with your arms.
10. Simon says pretend to tie a shoelace on your opposite foot.

9. Simon Says 2- Step Command Ideas for Memory Development

1. Simon says touch your head, then your knees.
2. Simon says jump, clap, and spin.
3. Simon says pat your head and rub your belly.
4. Simon says blink, smile, and frown.
5. Simon says clap three times, then stomp twice.
6. Simon says touch your toes, then reach for the sky.
7. Simon says make a circle, then a square in the air.
8. Simon says hop on one foot, then the other.
9. Simon says turn left, then right, then left again.
10. Simon says wave, wink, and nod.

10. Simon Says 3- Step Command Ideas for Memory Development

1. Simon says touch your toes, then jump up and clap your hands.
2. Simon says spin around, sit down, and then stand up quickly.
3. Simon says hop on one foot, switch to the other foot, and then take two steps forward.
4. Simon says make a sad face, then a happy face, and finally, stick out your tongue.
5. Simon says clap your hands three times, stomp your feet twice, and then shout ‘Hooray!’
6. Simon says touch your left ear, right knee, and then your nose in that order.
7. Simon says pretend to pour a cup of tea, drink it, and then wipe your mouth.
8. Simon says wave with your right hand, then your left hand, and finally, wave with both hands.
9. Simon says jump like a frog, roar like a lion, and then flap your arms like a bird.
10. Simon says blink twice, snap your fingers once, and then give yourself a hug.

Need more ideas?  Check out these resources on Pinterest.

With these Simon Says commands, your preschoolers will not only have fun but also improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive skills. Try incorporating them into your daily routine to keep your little ones engaged and excited!

Developing Core Skills Through Play

Playing Simon Says is an excellent way to enhance your child’s core skills. It is a fun and engaging game that helps children develop listening, attention, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, memory, social skills, body awareness, and coordination. In this section, we will discuss how playing Simon Says can help your child develop these skills.

Enhancing Listening and Attention

Simon Says is a game that requires children to listen carefully and pay attention to the instructions given by the leader. By playing this game, children can improve their listening and attention skills, which are essential for academic success. They learn to follow directions, concentrate, and stay focused on the task at hand.

Promoting Gross Motor Development

Gross motor skills involve the movement and coordination of large muscle groups. Playing Simon Says can help children improve their gross motor skills by engaging them in activities such as balancing, stretching, hopping on one foot, and running on the spot. These activities help children develop balance, coordination, and overall physical strength.

Boosting Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the movement and coordination of small muscle groups. Playing Simon Says can help children improve their fine motor skills by engaging them in activities such as clapping their hands, snapping their fingers, and touching their nose. These activities help children develop hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and overall fine motor control.

Cognitive and Memory Enhancement

Playing Simon Says can help children develop their cognitive abilities by engaging them in problem-solving and reasoning activities. By following the instructions given by the leader, children learn to think critically and make decisions quickly. Additionally, playing Simon Says can help improve memory skills by requiring children to remember the instructions given by the leader.

Encouraging Social Interaction

Playing Simon Says is a great way to encourage social interaction among children. By playing this game, children learn to interact with their peers in a positive and cooperative manner. They learn to take turns, share, and work together towards a common goal.

Improving Body Awareness and Coordination

Playing Simon Says can help children develop their body awareness and coordination skills. By engaging in activities such as touching their toes and walking backward, children learn to be aware of their body movements and how they relate to the space around them. Additionally, playing Simon Says can help improve overall coordination by requiring children to perform a variety of movements in a coordinated and controlled manner.

In conclusion, playing Simon Says is an excellent way to develop your child’s core skills. By engaging in activities that enhance listening, attention, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, memory, social skills, body awareness, and coordination, children can improve their overall cognitive, physical, and social development. So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and engaging activity to do with your child, consider playing Simon Says!

Tips for Keeping Simon Says Fresh and Challenging

Simon Says is a classic game that can engage and improve preschoolers’ skills in a fun and exciting way. However, it’s essential to keep the game fresh and challenging to maintain children’s interest. Here are some tips to help you vary the commands and incorporate props and music to make the game more engaging and exciting.

Varying the Commands

To keep the game fresh, it’s crucial to add variations to the commands. Instead of using the same old commands like “pat your head” or “stick out your tongue,” try using new and different commands like “touch your knees” or “wiggle your nose.” You can also add some fun and creative commands like “play air guitar” or “sing a song” to make the game more engaging.

Incorporating Props and Music

Using props and music can add excitement and fun to the game. You can use simple props like scarves, hats, or balls to make the game more interactive. You can also play some music and ask the children to dance or move to the beat. Incorporating props and music can make the game more engaging and exciting for the children.

Adjusting Game Difficulty

To keep the game challenging, you can adjust the difficulty level. You can increase the difficulty level by adding variations to the commands or by making the game faster. You can also challenge the children by asking them to take turns being the leader or by encouraging peer leadership.

Encouraging Peer Leadership

Encouraging peer leadership is an excellent way to empower children and improve their leadership skills. You can ask the children to take turns being the leader and giving commands. This can help build their confidence and improve their communication skills.

Using Simon Says for Special Occasions

Simon Says can be an excellent game to play during special occasions like holiday activities or birthday parties. You can adapt the game to fit the theme of the occasion and make it more exciting for the children. You can also use the game to teach children about different cultures and traditions.

In conclusion, Simon Says is an excellent game for preschoolers to learn and improve their skills. By varying the commands, incorporating props and music, adjusting the game difficulty, encouraging peer leadership, and using the game for special occasions, you can keep the game fresh and challenging for the children.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive list of Simon Says commands that can help your preschooler learn valuable skills while having fun.

To recap, Simon Says is a great game for developing listening skills, following directions, and improving gross motor skills. By incorporating educational commands into the game, you can help your child learn new concepts and reinforce existing knowledge.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own Simon Says commands tailored to your child’s interests and abilities. Remember to keep the game fun and engaging by using a variety of commands and incorporating movement and music.

In future play, consider introducing new themes such as animals, colors, or shapes to keep the game fresh and exciting. You can also use Simon Says as a tool for reinforcing positive behavior and encouraging teamwork.

With this ultimate list of Simon Says commands, you are now equipped with the knowledge and confidence to help your child learn and grow through play. Happy playing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does playing Simon Says benefit a preschooler’s development?

Playing Simon Says is a fun way for preschoolers to develop their listening and following instructions skills. It also helps them improve their motor skills, coordination, and body awareness. Additionally, it teaches them self-control and patience, as they learn to wait for the “Simon Says” command before moving.

What are the basic rules for playing Simon Says with preschoolers?

The rules for playing Simon Says are simple: the leader (Simon) gives commands, and the players must follow them only if the command starts with “Simon Says.” If a player moves without hearing “Simon Says,” they are out. The game continues until there is only one player left.

Which motor skills can be enhanced through Simon Says activities?

Simon Says can help preschoolers improve their gross motor skills, such as jumping, hopping, and running. It can also help them develop their fine motor skills, such as clapping, touching their toes, and making shapes with their fingers.

What are some creative Simon Says commands that can teach verbs to preschoolers?

Some creative Simon Says commands that can teach verbs to preschoolers include “Simon says jump,” “Simon says clap your hands,” “Simon says touch your toes,” “Simon says dance,” and “Simon says wiggle like a snake.”

Can Simon Says be adapted for educational purposes in a preschool setting?

Yes, Simon Says can be adapted for educational purposes in a preschool setting. For example, you can use Simon Says to teach colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. You can also use it to teach social skills, such as taking turns, sharing, and following rules.

What are some engaging Simon Says variations suitable for young children?

Some engaging Simon Says variations suitable for young children include “Opposite Simon Says,” where players must do the opposite of what Simon says, and “Animal Simon Says,” where players must move like different animals. Another variation is “Story Simon Says,” where players must act out different parts of a story as Simon gives the commands.