Simon Says Body Parts, No Outs
A pre-K take on classic Simon Says: the teacher calls out body parts to touch, move and name, and anyone who slips up spins once in place and keeps playing. Nobody is ever out. It builds body awareness, listening and impulse control.
How to play
- Kids stand spread out facing the teacher with room around them. Explain by doing: "Simon says touch your nose." The teacher does it and everyone copies.
- First two minutes: only "Simon says" commands. Head, shoulders, knees, feet, tummy, ears. The teacher touches each part too.
- Add movement: "Simon says wiggle your elbows," "Simon says jump with your feet," "Simon says clap your hands." One minute.
- Add the trick: sometimes the teacher gives a command without saying "Simon says." Anyone who moves does a quick spin and keeps playing.
- Two minutes mixing commands with and without "Simon says," a little faster each time.
- Finish with "Simon says shake your whole body" and "Simon says give yourself a hug."
Rules
- Nobody is out: if you slip up, spin once and keep going.
- Touch each body part gently, no slapping.
- Check for space before you jump.
- Listen with your ears wide open.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, no tricks: every command starts with "Simon says" and the teacher always touches the part.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add a few slow, obvious tricks.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher names one part but touches another, and a child takes a turn as Simon.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: touch the parts the child can reach or point to them.
- Hearing loss: face the child in good light and use the same hand sign for "Simon says" every time.
- More skilled kids get trickier parts (ankle, elbow, back of the neck); less skilled kids use just five basic parts.
Learning goals
- Recognize and name parts of the body.
- Listen to the whole command before moving.
- Move together with the group without anyone being out.
Teacher tip
The spin is silly, not a punishment: cheer it with a smile. Hold off on tricks with 3-year-olds until they know their body parts well.
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