Games Like Simon Says: Fun, Focused, and Full of Learning

If you’ve ever played Simon Says with your child, you’ll know how brilliantly simple it is. One adult gives a command “Simon says, touch your toes!” and the children follow it, but only if it begins with “Simon says.” Miss that detail, and you’re out. It’s fast, funny, and sneakily educational. But once the novelty wears off, what’s next?

In this guide, you’ll find a collection of engaging, screen-free games like Simon Says that are ideal for children aged 3–10. These games support listening skills, impulse control, coordination, and memory and can be easily adapted for children with special educational needs (SEN). Whether you’re a parent looking to inject more structured play into your day or a teacher seeking brain breaks and transition activities, there’s something here for you.

30 Engaging Primary Games For Learning

Why Play Games Like Simon Says for Child Development?

Games in this category are powerful for developing:

• Auditory processing and listening skills
• Self-regulation and attention span
• Physical coordination and motor planning
• Social skills and turn-taking

They also require no equipment, can be played almost anywhere, and are highly adaptable for mixed-ability groups.

1. Follow the Leader

How to play: One player becomes the leader and performs a series of movements (e.g., hop on one leg, spin around). The others must mimic the leader exactly. Change leaders every few minutes.

Why it works:
This game promotes observation and imitation, and is less about verbal instruction, making it more accessible for non-verbal or language-delayed children.

SEN Tip:
Use picture cards or gesture prompts alongside movements. Consider mirroring the child if imitation is difficult, starting slowly and increasing complexity over time.

2. Copy Cat (Silent Version)

How to play: One player performs an action silently (e.g., tapping knees, clapping twice). The other players copy it without using words. Add a rhythm challenge by using beats or patterns.

Why it works:
This version emphasises body awareness and non-verbal communication.

SEN Tip:
Children with auditory processing issues or verbal language delays often thrive in silent games. You can build up from a single action to sequences over time.

3. Freeze Dance

How to play: Play music and have everyone dance. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. Anyone who moves after the music stops sits out or restarts a pose.

Why it works:
This builds motor inhibition — the ability to stop an action on cue, which is crucial for classroom readiness.

SEN Tip:
Use visual cues (like a red “STOP” card) alongside the music. Let children practise “freezing” before adding the challenge of music stopping.

4. Red Light, Green Light

How to play: One player is the “traffic light” and stands at the front. When they say “green light,” others move toward them. “Red light” means freeze. Anyone caught moving on “red” returns to the start.

Why it works:
It sharpens response inhibition and is fantastic for energetic groups who need a focused outlet.

SEN Tip:
Use coloured signs or scarves in addition to the commands. Replace running with crawling, walking, or using wheelchairs or mobility aids to suit your learners.

5. What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?

How to play: One child (the wolf) stands at the far end of the play area with their back turned. The group chants, “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” and takes steps forward based on the answer (e.g., “3 o’clock” = 3 steps). When the wolf shouts “Dinner time!” they turn and chase the others back to the start.

Why it works:
This combines numeracy, sequencing, and anticipation — all within a physical game.

SEN Tip:
Count steps out loud with the group and provide a predictable pattern before the chase element. Let anxious children observe or take the wolf role for control and familiarity.

6. Mirror Me

How to play: Sit face to face with your child and take turns being the mirror. One person makes slow facial expressions, gestures, or movements. The other copies them as precisely as possible.

Why it works:
It builds emotional recognition, joint attention, and fine motor awareness.

SEN Tip:
For children with autism or social communication differences, start with very slow, simple expressions and gestures. You can use dolls or puppets if direct eye contact is uncomfortable.

7. Action Sequencing

How to play: Start with a simple command: “Touch your nose.” Then add on: “Touch your nose, then jump.” Each time, add another action. See how many steps the child can remember and perform in order.

Why it works:
This builds working memory and executive function — essential for learning and self-organisation.

SEN Tip:
Use visual action cards to support recall. Allow extra processing time and offer verbal rehearsal (“Let’s say them again before we move!”).

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Using Games like Simon Says in the Classroom

These games are ideal for transition times, wet play, or energising brain breaks. Here’s how to make them work in a classroom setting:

Warm-ups and Settlers

Use Simon Says or Red Light, Green Light to calm children after playtime or energise them in the mid-morning slump. Focus on breathing or yoga movements for a calmer tone.

Listening and Attention Boosters

Introduce Copy Cat and Action Sequencing during phonics or literacy time to develop listening stamina and sequential instruction-following.

Inclusive Practice Tips

• Pair verbal commands with gestures or symbols.
• Allow children to choose roles (e.g., leader, spotter, wolf) to increase autonomy.
• Model the game slowly with staff or peer volunteers first.
• Use quiet versions in sensory-sensitive classrooms.
• Provide social stories or visual instructions for new games.

SEN Adaptations Overview

Game	SEN-Friendly Adaptations
Follow the Leader	Use visuals, repeat movements, allow turn-taking with adult support
Copy Cat (Silent)	Add gesture modelling, use mirrors, simplify actions
Freeze Dance	Introduce a visual stop cue, play slower-paced music
Red Light, Green Light	Add coloured cards or signs, use alternative movement methods
What’s the Time?	Use number cards, reduce the chase or make it a group jog/walk
Mirror Me	Use puppets, slow down speed, focus on one movement type (e.g., arms)
Action Sequencing	Use pictures for each action, repeat sequences out loud, reduce steps

Show and Tell Twist: Movement Edition

Encourage children to invent their own “Simon Says” commands for show and tell. For example:

• “Kieran says, wiggle like jelly!”
• “Kaitlyn says, act like a kangaroo!”
• “Kai says, play the invisible kazoo!”

Invite children to bring in small props (e.g., scarves, toy animals) to lead a themed session. This builds confidence, leadership, and creativity — and adds sensory input for those who need it.

Wrap-Up: Keep It Simple, Keep It Moving

Games like Simon Says don’t just fill time — they build brains. With small tweaks, these games are suitable for toddlers, primary-age children, and neurodiverse learners alike. Whether at home or in the classroom, a few minutes a day can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence, coordination, and capacity to focus.

So next time you hear “I’m bored,” remember: all you need is a little imagination and the magic words — Simon says

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