Simon Says Movement for Kids

Simon Says Movement for Kids – Easy Lesson 2

These Simon Says movement for kids activities are perfect for gross motor skills practice at home or in the classroom. Look at each movement, listen carefully, and move only when you hear “Simon says…”.

Easy Simon Says Movement for Kids to Practice

Jump up and down

Simon Says movement for kids – child jumping up and down

How to do: Bend your knees and push off gently. Land softly like a spring.

Jump five times

Simon Says movement for kids – child jumping five times

How to do: Count each jump out loud: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!

Walk slowly

Simon Says movement for kids – child walking slowly

How to do: Take tiny steps with quiet feet and a balanced body.

Walk fast

Simon Says movement for kids – child walking fast

How to do: Move your arms and feet quickly. No running, just speedy steps.

Walk around the room

Simon Says movement for kids – child walking around the room

How to do: Follow the room edges with your eyes forward and careful feet.

Run in place

Simon Says movement for kids – child running in place

How to do: Lift your knees, move your arms, and stay on the same spot.

Spin in a circle

Child spinning slowly in a circle for Simon Says

How to do: Turn slowly one time and stop if you feel dizzy.

Shake your body

Child shaking arms and body for a Simon Says activity

How to do: Wiggle your arms, shoulders, and hips. Move loose like jelly!

Dance for one minute

Child dancing for one minute in a Simon Says movement activity

How to do: Try freestyle moves, keep smiling, and keep moving.

Roll over

Child rolling over safely on a mat for Simon Says

How to do: Lie down on a mat and roll sideways slowly. Make sure you have enough space.

Simon Says Movement for Kids: Learning Benefits

These Simon Says movement for kids activities help children learn through play while building body control, balance, coordination, and listening skills. Simple movement activities also support focus, confidence, and safe group play.

Better Listening

Kids practice listening carefully, understanding each instruction, and responding at the right time.

Focus and Self-Control

Children learn when to move and when to stop, helping them practice focus, patience, and self-control.

Balance and Coordination

Walking, spinning, and jumping help improve coordination, balance, and overall body awareness.

Gross Motor Skills

Big movements such as jumping and running in place help children practice strength, control, and active movement.

Confidence and Expression

Dancing, shaking, and other playful movements give children a fun way to move confidently and express themselves.

Group Play and Social Skills

Group rounds help children practice waiting, taking turns, following shared rules, and playing safely together.

Teacher & Parent Tip: Start with 4 or 5 easy movements such as walk slowly, jump, stop, and turn. Add more actions as children become comfortable and confident.

How to Play Simon Says Movement for Kids

Simon Says movement for kids is easy to play at home, in the classroom, or during a PE warm-up. Children listen for “Simon says,” then perform the movement only when those words come first.

Choose a Safe Movement

Start with simple actions such as walking slowly, jumping gently, running in place, or shaking your body. Make sure children have enough space to move safely.

Listen for “Simon says”

Children should perform the movement only when the instruction begins with “Simon says.” Encourage them to listen to the full command before moving.

Freeze on a Trick Command

If the leader gives a movement command without saying “Simon says,” children should stay still. This adds fun while practicing focus and self-control.

Simple Playing Idea: Begin with 4 or 5 easy movements and play a short round. Once children understand the rules, add faster, slower, and more challenging movement commands.

Good Command “Simon says jump up and down.”

Trick Command “Walk fast.”

Safety Rule Keep enough space between children and use controlled movements.

Simon Says Movement for Kids: Printable Quick List

Copy or print these Simon Says movement for kids commands for PE warm-ups, classroom brain breaks, home activities, and active listening games.

Quick Movement Commands

1. Jump up and down — Simon says: jump up and down.
2. Jump five times — Simon says: jump five times.
3. Walk slowly — Simon says: walk slowly.
4. Walk fast — Simon says: walk fast.
5. Walk around the room — Simon says: walk around the room.
6. Run in place — Simon says: run in place.
7. Spin in a circle — Simon says: spin in a circle.
8. Shake your body — Simon says: shake your body.
9. Dance for one minute — Simon says: dance for one minute.
10. Roll over — Simon says: roll over.

Teacher & Parent Quick Lines:

“Ready… strong listening!”
“Soft landings. Jump like a feather!”
“Remember: only move if I say ‘Simon says’.”
“Freeze! Show me your best statue.”
“Great control. Slow, safe, and steady.”

Tip: Start with 5 movement commands, then repeat the activity using all 10.

Teacher and Parent Guide for Simon Says Movement

Use these Simon Says movement for kids activities in a safe, simple, and playful way. Short rounds, clear instructions, and positive encouragement help children enjoy movement while building listening and body-control skills.

Start with Easy Movements

Begin with simple movements such as walk slowly, jump gently, run in place, and shake your body. Add more challenging actions only after children understand the game.

Start with 3 to 5 movements.
Demonstrate an action when needed.
Increase difficulty gradually.

Encourage Careful Listening

Remind children to wait for the words “Simon says” before moving. A short pause before each command can help them listen carefully instead of rushing.

Speak slowly and clearly.
Pause before giving the movement.
Praise careful listening.

Keep Movement Safe

Give children enough space to move and choose actions that suit the room or play area. Avoid fast running, pushing, or movements that could cause falls.

Clear obstacles before starting.
Use soft jumps and controlled turns.
Stop if a child feels tired or dizzy.

Build Confidence with Praise

Focus on good listening, safe movement, and effort instead of winning. Positive feedback helps children feel confident and willing to participate.

“Great listening!”
“Nice safe movement!”
“Good job staying in control!”

Best Practice: Keep each movement round around 2 to 3 minutes, then give children a short rest. For younger children, use fewer commands and repeat familiar movements before introducing new ones.

Explore More Simon Says Lessons

Continue the fun with more Simon Says activities for actions, animal moves, stretching, positions, directions, and safe movement practice.

Simon Says Hub

Commands

Animal Moves

Hand Actions

Stretching

Positions

Directions

Safety Rules

Learn More with Vidyom

Simon Says Movement for Kids – Fun Active Listening Activities

Explore fun Simon Says movement for kids with jumping, walking, spinning, and simple action commands that support listening, coordination, focus, and active play at home or in the classroom.

Simon Says Movement for Kids – Trusted Sources

Vidyom is your main learning page. Parents and teachers can also read these trusted sources to understand how active play, movement, and safe physical activity support young children.

CDC Physical Activity

Guidance on children’s physical activity and why regular movement supports healthy growth.

NAEYC Fitness and Health

Early childhood ideas connected to movement, active learning, health, and family-friendly activities.

Head Start Active Play

Trusted information about how play supports children’s development, learning, relationships, and body awareness.

Simon Says Movement for Kids – FAQs

Quick answers for parents and teachers using simon says movement for kids with safe jumping, walking, spinning, and active listening. These tips also support simple movement activities for kids at home or in class.

What age is this movement activity best for?

This activity works well for preschool to early primary kids. Start with slow actions like “walk slowly” and add jumping when kids feel confident and safe.

How can I play safely with jumping commands?

Use a clear open space, teach “soft landings,” and remove slippery items. For “roll over,” use a mat and keep enough space between children.

How long should one round take?

Keep it short: 3 to 5 minutes per round. Do one round with 5 commands, then a second round with all 10 commands for extra practice.

What if kids get dizzy during “spin in a circle”?

Ask kids to spin slowly only once, then stop and take a deep breath. If anyone feels dizzy, skip spinning and use “walk slowly” or “shake your body” instead.

How do I make the game more challenging?

Mix fast and slow commands, add counting like “jump five times,” and sometimes give a command without saying “Simon says” so kids must pause and listen carefully.

Can I use this activity in a classroom warm-up?

Yes. Use 5 quick commands as a warm-up. It helps kids focus, follow directions, and release extra energy in a fun way.

📲 Download Vidyom – Kids Learning App

🚫 Ad-Free Learning Experience for Kids

Enjoy safe and distraction-free learning for kids. Install the Vidyom app now for an ad-free experience, fun lessons, and interactive activities.

🚀 Download ⭐ Rate Us