In this activity, you will play a Simon Says game to help your child practice self-control and follow verbal instructions with two or three steps.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Social and Emotional
MATERIALS
- Items to be put away
LET'S PLAY
Make clean up time fun! Say to your child, “Let’s play a game as we put away your things today. If I say the special words Simon says, you must do all the things I ask. If I forget to say Simon says, then I will do all the things I said.”
“Let’s practice.” Example: “Simon says, first, put one toy car away and then put your shoes in your closet.” (Use directions that work for your home.)
“Did I say Simon says?” Say the instructions again to help your child remember which thing to do first and which thing to do next.
Practice again without saying Simon says. Example: “Please put your t-shirt in the hamper. Next, put your cup in the sink.” (Use directions that work for your home.) Ask your child, “Did I say Simon says?” If your child is not sure, repeat the instructions. If needed, remind your child that you have to follow the directions when you do not say the special Simon says words. If the task falls to you, ask your child to help you remember which steps to do first.
Continue the game by saying different instructions with and without the Simon says phrase. Some instructions may have two steps and some may have three steps if your child is ready for that challenge. If your child is having a hard time remembering two steps, try using just one-step instructions at first.
TIPS
- Before you say a new set of instructions, have your child look at you as you say them.
- Try using words like first, then, next, and last to help your child follow multi-step instructions in a sequence.
- Another way to play this verbal instruction game might be when you are getting ready to do a family activity that requires setting things up or packing for a trip, or before you go to the store.
- It is important that you let your child know that this is a game and the Simon says rules about following directions apply only during the game.