Simon Says at the Zoo
We play "Simon Says" with animal moves: only move when the command starts with "Simon says." Anyone who gets tricked isn't out—they do a quick gorilla lap and keep playing.
How to play
- Teacher explains with examples: "Simon says hop like a frog"—go! Just "hop like a frog"—freeze! (2 min).
- Slow round with animals: frog, elephant, bird, crab (3 min).
- Trick round: whoever moves by mistake does a gorilla lap and jumps right back in (3 min).
- A few kids take turns being Simon (2 min).
- Calm final round: Simon Says animal stretches (2 min).
Rules
- Only move when you hear "Simon says."
- If I get tricked, I do my gorilla lap and keep playing.
- No laughing at mistakes—they happen to everyone!
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, always say "Simon says" and focus on copying animals.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, an occasional, obvious trick.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, more tricks and double commands ("hop and clap").
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users act out animals with arms, hands and faces.
- For hard-of-hearing kids, pair "Simon says" with a fixed gesture, like a hand on your head.
- For autistic children, play without tricks first and announce when they start.
Learning goals
- Listen and wait before acting.
- Imitate animal movements and postures.
- Accept mistakes with humor without being left out.
Teacher tip
The classic version eliminates players; here the "penalty" is a fun move that gets kids back in seconds. Make early tricks very obvious.
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