Simon says
It is the classic game of English schools and a way to learn English by moving. The voice gives an order and the board shows a picture of what to do. If the order starts with Simon says, do it; if not, whoever moves is out. When the time is up, the teacher gives a point to each team that got it right.
What children practise
- Understanding orders in English and carrying them out
- Parts of the body: nose, head, ears, eyes, mouth, shoulders, knees
- Movement verbs: jump, hop, clap, stamp, turn around, sit down
- Listening carefully: only doing it after Simon says
- Two orders in a row and how many times: clap three times
Levels and settings
Early years
Simon says with simple orders, a picture and 8 seconds to do them: Simon usually says it, but sometimes not, and you have to keep still.
Year 1
Simon says with all the orders and less time: if Simon does not say it, whoever moves gets it wrong.
Year 2
Two orders in a row (touch your head and hop) or how many times (clap three times), with less time.
How to play it in class
- Choose the year and difficulty, or in More options the level, the orders, the time to do them and the points.
- Press Start: the voice gives the order and its picture appears; everyone does it at the same time.
- When the time is up you see whether Simon said it. The teacher taps the point for each team that got it right and presses Next.
- The first team to reach the goal wins.
Ways to play
In teams, at the same time
The screen splits in two and each team plays on its own half at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Do the children touch the board?
No. They play with their bodies, where they are; the board only shows the order, the picture and the points.
Who decides the point?
The teacher: when the time is up, they tap the button of each team that did it right.
Is it free?
You can play 5 free games without signing up. After that, a one-off payment of €9.99 unlocks all 78 games for ever, on all your devices. There is no subscription.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It opens in the browser of the interactive whiteboard, panel, computer, tablet or iPad. Once loaded, it also works offline.
More English games
Spelling beeIn English schools spelling is practised every week and the spelling bee is its contest.
Past, present, futureIt is Sentence Builder for older children.
Blending roadIn English schools children learn to read by blending sounds: c-a-t, cat.
Spelling roadSpelling by sounds is the other side of reading: hearing cat and knowing it goes c, a, t.Simon says
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