The King Says and the Crown Travels

Children only follow orders that start with "The king says," and the crown is passed around so different children get to be king or queen. It builds careful listening, holding back on trick orders and taking turns being in charge, like a no-elimination "Simon Says."

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, the teacher puts on the crown and explains: we only obey if the order starts with "The king says…" (1 min).
2. First round with easy orders: "The king says touch your nose," "The king says jump twice" (2 min).
3. Here come the tricks: "Jump!" without "the king says"; anyone who moves says "Oops, almost!" and keeps playing (2 min).
4. The crown travels: the teacher puts it on a child, who gives three orders, with ideas whispered by the teacher if needed, and then passes it on (5 min).
5. Last order: "The king says everyone bow and sit down" (2 min).

Rules

• We only obey when we hear "the king says."
• If we slip, we say "oops, almost!" and keep going.
• When you're in charge, give orders everyone can do safely.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: include arm and face orders, and when this child is in charge, they suggest moves the whole circle can do.
• Hearing impairment: the king touches the crown every time they say "the king says" so the signal is visible.
• Autism: a child who doesn't want the crown can pass it by saying or pointing to "pass."

Learning goals

• Respond only to orders with the right phrase.
• Hold back on trick orders.
• Respect whose turn it is to lead.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cardboard crown: 1

Teacher tip

Make a big crown with an elastic band so it moves quickly from head to head. Kids sometimes invent unsafe orders, so keep a list of ideas ready.

More main activities for Elementary