Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Simon Says Listening Game: Free Printable Game for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Simon Says Listening Game is a free printable listening game for Reception (ages 4 to 5). A grown-up plays Simon and reads out the cards. Children do the action only when the card starts with Simon says. It takes about 10 minutes, needs three or more players and no screen. Page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help for children who find it hard and a stretch idea.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, cut out the cards from page 1 and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
The sheet is a set of cards to cut out and use. Each card gives one simple action, such as clapping, hopping or touching your nose. Some cards start with Simon says and some do not. A grown-up plays Simon and reads each card aloud. Children listen for the words that start the instruction, then decide whether to move or stay still. Every card is one step, so even the youngest players can join in.
- Simon says clap
- Simon says touch your nose
- Jump up high
- Simon says hop
- Simon says wave
- Touch your toes
- Simon says sit down
- Simon says spin
- Stand on one leg
- Simon says smile
- Simon says stamp
- Clap your hands
Getting the game ready
Print and cut
Print page 1 and cut out the cards. Keep page 2 for the grown-up. Put the cards in a pile, face down, so nobody can see what comes next.
Make some space
Move toys and chairs out of the way. Players need room to jump, spin and wave without bumping into each other.
Play a round
Simon turns over a card and reads it aloud in a clear voice. Players move if the card starts with Simon says. If it does not, they stay still.
Swap over
After a few rounds, give someone else a turn as Simon. Everyone enjoys the game more when they get to lead.
Why a listening game works at this age
Simon says is an old playground game, and it suits Reception well. The rules are simple, the actions are active and children can play without reading. The Early Years Foundation Stage builds on play and talk, so a game where children listen, move and laugh together fits naturally into the day.
The tricky part is the pause. Children must wait for the right words before they move. That means listening to the whole instruction, not just the action at the end. It is a gentle way to practise paying attention and holding back an urge to move, both of which help in class and at home.
Check there is room to move before you start. Clear toys and furniture from the floor and keep a gap between players. Jumping, spinning and standing on one leg can lead to bumps, so play on a flat, clear surface and stop if the game gets too boisterous.
Skills and curriculum link
- Careful listening
- Following one step instructions
- Self control
- Movement and coordination
- Taking turns
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Communication and Language | Listening, Attention and Understanding | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can listen carefully to an instruction.
- I can do what I am asked, one step at a time.
- I can tell when I should not do the action.
Ideas to help the game go well
- Say it clearlyRead each card slowly and in a steady voice. Young children find it easier to listen when the words are not rushed.
- Wait before you moveStopping on purpose is a skill. Children practise holding back until they are sure the instruction is for them.
- Use action wordsWords like clap, hop and spin are doing words. Playing the game helps children link a word to a movement.
- Keep it kindSitting out is part of the game, not a punishment. Cheer for everyone and let them join the next round.
Key words
- ListenUse your ears and your brain to take in what someone says.
- InstructionWords that tell you what to do.
- ActionA movement you do with your body, such as a clap or a jump.
- RoundOne go at the game. When it ends, a new one starts.
- Sit outTake a short rest from the game and watch until the next round.
- FreezeStay completely still, like a statue.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Cut out the cards from page 1 and keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Read the rules out loud together, so everyone plays the same game. Check there is room to move.
- Play the first rounds together. The grown-up is Simon and reads each card aloud. Talk about each choice.
- Use the notes on page 2 if anyone needs help, or when you want to stretch the players.
- Come back to the game another day. Repeating a familiar game builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Start with only the cards that begin with Simon says. Then everyone moves every time and can enjoy the actions. Once the children are confident, add the cards that do not start with those words, one at a time.
To stretch confident children
Let the child be Simon. They shuffle the cards, read each one aloud in a clear voice and watch the other players. They can also make up their own action to add to the game.
Make it a game
Anyone who moves on a card without Simon says sits out one round. Sitting out players can become helpers and watch for anyone who moves by mistake. Everyone joins in again for the next round.
Talk about it
- How did you know when to copy and when to stay still?
- What helps you listen well when it is noisy?
- Which action was your favourite? Why?
- What happens in your body when you try to stay still?
- Can you give the rest of us an instruction?
- What would you add if you made your own card?
Take it off the page
Listening walk
Go outside or around the house and stay quiet for a minute. Ask everyone to name the sounds they heard. Talk about which were loud, soft, near or far.
Statue game
Play some music and let everyone dance. When the music stops, they freeze like statues. The grown-up can watch for anyone who moves.
Instruction hunt
Give one simple instruction at a time, such as put the spoon in the basket. Let children take turns being the one who gives the instructions.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit with your child for the first rounds and be Simon yourself. Keep it light and playful, with plenty of laughs. About 10 minutes is plenty. If they get upset about sitting out, switch to the easier version and try again later.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, a brain break or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting. It links to Listening, Attention and Understanding in Communication and Language. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
Home educators
Home educators can use it as a short warm up before other learning, or outdoors as a movement break. It works well with brothers and sisters of different ages, because younger children can play the easy version while older ones lead as Simon.
Where this fits in your child's learning
Before this game, children listen to stories, songs and everyday talk, and learn to look at the person speaking. They start by following simple requests, such as come here or give me the cup. This sheet builds on that with a game that adds a rule to listen for.
After this game, children can move on to instructions with two parts, such as touch your head and then clap. They can also listen to longer stories and answer questions about them. Careful listening helps with learning sounds, joining in at carpet time and later with reading and writing.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How did you know when to copy and when to stay still?
- What helps you listen well when it is noisy?
- Can you give the rest of us an instruction?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Simon Says Listening Game for?
It is written for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children can join in with the easier version, and older children can take a turn as Simon.
- What will children practise?
Children practise careful listening and following one step instructions. They also practise stopping when an instruction does not start with Simon says, which builds self control and attention.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages and cut out the cards. A grown-up is Simon and reads the cards aloud. You need three or more players and about 10 minutes. Check there is room to move before you start.
- What if it feels too hard?
Use only the cards that start with Simon says at first. Then children move every time and can enjoy the actions. When they are ready, add the other cards back one at a time.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or for another class, whenever you like.
- Is it suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, a plenary, a brain break or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting, and it links to Listening, Attention and Understanding.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only the printed cards and some space to move. It works well for a rainy afternoon, a party, a quiet moment in class or a break during school holidays.
More like this
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.