Simon Says facts for kids

Children playing Simon Says with "Simon" (the controller) in the foreground

The game of Simon Says is a fun and popular game played by children all over the world. In this game, one player acts as "Simon" and gives instructions to everyone else. The trick is, you only follow an instruction if "Simon" says "Simon says..." first! If you follow an instruction that doesn't start with "Simon says...", you're out of the game. The last player left wins! It's a great way to test your listening skills and quick thinking.

How to Play Simon Says

Playing Simon Says is easy and fun! Here's how to get started:

• Choose a Simon: First, one player is chosen to be "Simon." This person will give all the instructions.
• Gather the Players: All other players stand together, ready to listen.
• Simon Gives Instructions: "Simon" starts giving commands. Some commands will begin with "Simon says..." and some will not.

Example: "Simon says touch your nose." Example: "Jump on one foot."

• Follow Only Simon's Commands: Players must only follow instructions that start with "Simon says..." If "Simon" says "Simon says touch your nose," everyone should touch their nose.
• Watch Out for Tricky Commands: If "Simon" gives a command without saying "Simon says..." first (like "Jump on one foot"), players should NOT do it.
• Elimination: If a player follows a command that didn't start with "Simon says...", or if they don't follow a command that DID start with "Simon says...", they are out of the game.
• Winning the Game: The game continues until only one player is left. That player is the winner and gets to be the next "Simon"!

Tips for Being a Great Simon

If it's your turn to be "Simon," here are some tips to make the game exciting:

• Mix it Up: Give a good mix of "Simon says" commands and tricky ones.
• Be Quick: Say commands quickly to keep players on their toes.
• Use Your Voice: Change your voice or tone to make it more fun.
• Think of Fun Actions: Ask players to do silly things like "Simon says quack like a duck" or "Simon says wiggle your ears."
• Watch Carefully: Pay close attention to see who makes a mistake!

Why Simon Says is Fun and Useful

Simon Says is more than just a game; it helps you practice important skills!

• Listening Skills: You have to listen very carefully to what "Simon" says. This helps you focus and pay attention.
• Following Instructions: The game teaches you to follow directions precisely, which is a useful skill in school and life.
• Quick Thinking: You need to think fast to decide if a command has "Simon says" or not.
• Self-Control: Sometimes it's hard not to do an action, especially if everyone else is doing it! Simon Says helps you practice self-control.
• Memory: Sometimes "Simon" might give a series of commands, testing your memory.

History and Variations

The game of Simon Says has been played for a long time and is known in many countries. It's a classic game that doesn't need any special equipment, just players!

Different Names for the Game

While "Simon Says" is the most common name in English-speaking countries, similar games are played around the world with different names:

• In Spain and Latin America, it's often called "Simón dice."
• In France, it's "Jacques a dit" (Jacques said).
• In Germany, it's "Kommando Pimperle" or "Alle Vögel fliegen hoch" (All birds fly high).
• In Sweden, it's "Följa John" (Follow John).

These games all share the same basic idea: listen carefully and only follow specific commands!

See also

In Spanish: Simón dice para niños