Remember the thrill waiting for those two magic words could really give you the chills. “Simon says…” This is the simple phrase and it has captured and sustained the attention of children and all those who love to play it. From the schoolyards in Vancouver to family gatherings in Halifax, the game of Simon Says has brought laughter, testing, and learning to generations of Canadians. It’s more than a game-it is a listening test, a creativity booster, and a surefire way to get people together.
Simon Says is an old children’s game that puts players’ listening abilities and ability to comply with instructions to the test. There is one player who is “Simon” and gives instructions to the other players. The twist is that players only have to follow instructions that begin with “Simon says.” If a player complies with an instruction that doesn’t begin with “Simon says,” he is eliminated from the game. The remaining player is the winner and usually gets to be the next Simon.
The game’s beauty is in its simplicity. It does not need any special equipment, can be played anywhere, and is quickly adapted for any age group, making it a favorite activity for parents, teachers, and camp counsellors throughout Canada.
The origins of the Simon Says game are a little bit cloudy, but their roots apparently reach back centuries. Some historians associate it with a Roman game called “Cicero dicit,” which translates into “Cicero says.” In this ancient version, a player acting as Cicero would give orders for others to follow. The name “Simon” is thought to derive from a 13-century powerful nobleman, Simon de Montfort, whose commands inspired absolute obedience-the very principle on which this game is based. Over the passages, it spread and evolved into a children’s party and playground activity worldwide, almost keeping to its simple and universal appeal through the ages, beloved today as it was decades before.
Are you ready to play? The game is easy to understand because the rules are simple. To get you started, here’s a step-by-step guide.
The first thing you need to do is pick someone to be “Simon.” This individual will be in charge and tell everyone what to do. This job is great for someone who is creative and can come up with ideas on the spot. You can choose amongst kids by having them flip a coin or play a fast game of “rock, paper, scissors.”
Simon stands in front of the other players and begins to give orders. There are two main types of commands that make up the game:
Players need to pay close attention. Everyone must do what Simon says if he says “Simon says.” If a player doesn’t do it, they’re out.
On the other hand, players must stay motionless if Simon provides an order without mentioning “Simon says.” Anyone who does the action is out of the round.
Simon keeps delivering orders until there is only one player left. The last player is the winner! The winner usually gets to be Simon in the next round as a prize.
Simon Says may seem like a simple child’s game, but within its whimsy lies a host of child-developmental benefits. Maintaining the atmosphere of a game, Simon Says allows a child to practice skills while easing the pressure upon him/her to perform.
Simon Says’ main factor is listening very carefully. From Simon, a child masters the art of paying close attention to the directions and distinguishing between what to do and what not to do. This is essential for learning and life success.
The game emphasizes self-responsibility. When Simon says, for example, “Clap your hands!” the child’s first instinct is to clap. In inhibiting the impulse to clap, they pause and consider the command: Was there any “Simon says”? Thus, self-control and inhibitory control are developed through this process, which basically are cornerstones of emotional regulation.
Many physical-drill-type commands in the Simon Say’s game-“touch your toes” or “pat your head”-also help children learn about body parts and improve their kinesthetic awareness: consciousness of where their body is in space.
People can give Simon multi-step commands while the games are ongoing, such as “Simon says touch your ears, then your shoulders, and finally your knees.”
The adaptability of the Simon Says game is among its best features. It is simple to adapt to suit different topics, age ranges, or goals in education.
Play the game to help you remember what you’ve learned. For instance, “Simon says hold up four fingers” could be used in a math class. To practice vocabulary in a language class, you could give instructions in a different language.
The Simon Says stamp game is an imaginative and less complicated version. Give a piece of paper and some ink stamps to every child. Simon then gives instructions such as “Stamp a smiley face” or “Simon says stamp a star in the top right corner.” This is a great way to learn positional words (top, bottom, left, and right), follow directions, and let your creativity run wild. It’s the ideal rainy-day activity for the classroom or at home.
A classic game that never goes out of style, Simon Says never fails to entertain and educate. It is a game that fosters intergenerational relationships and offers countless hours of enjoyment. Simon Says is always the perfect solution, whether you’re a teacher looking to give your students a mental break, a parent searching for an entertaining activity, or just someone experiencing nostalgia.
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