Simon Says Relay Challenge

You will need

• Scrap paper and pen or pencilOne sheet for keeping score
• Clear floor spaceA hallway or living room with furniture moved back
• Small timer or phone timeroptionalOptional — used to cap each Simon's turn to 90 seconds

Steps

1. 1

   Agree on the scoring rule

   Before play starts, explain the points system: Simon earns one point every time a player moves on a command that did not start with 'Simon says.' A player who survives all ten commands in a round without a mistake earns one point. Write this on a scrap of paper and put it where everyone can see it. Agree on a winning score — seven is a good target for a group of two to four.

   Tip: Keeping score on paper prevents arguments and teaches children to referee themselves.

2. 2

   Pick the first Simon

   The youngest player is Simon first — this gives them the easiest role to start. Simon stands at one end of the clear floor space, facing the other players. Simon may give any physical command: jump three times, touch your left knee, spin once, hop on one foot. Commands can be movements, poses, or sequences.

   Tip: Allow Simon to string two actions together once the group is warmed up: 'Simon says hop twice and then clap.'

3. 3

   Run the first round

   Simon gives ten commands at a pace they choose — but they must not pause for more than five seconds between commands or they lose their turn. Any player who moves on a command without 'Simon says' is not eliminated but instead gives Simon one point, then continues playing. This keeps everyone active throughout the game.

   Tip: No elimination keeps all children in motion — that is the key change from the original rules.

4. 4

   Rotate Simon and tally

   After ten commands, count the points earned in that round, add them to the running tally, and pass the role of Simon to the next player clockwise. Remind the incoming Simon that speed is their best tool — slower commands are easier to listen to carefully. Most children figure this out by round two and start speeding up on their own.

   Tip: If one child refuses the Simon role, let them pass once but not twice — the role should rotate.

5. 5

   Add the relay challenge for later rounds

   Once everyone has had one turn as Simon, add a relay element: instead of standing still, players must walk to the far wall and back between each command. Simon times their commands to catch players mid-movement. This raises the physical demand and makes it harder to listen carefully while moving.

   Tip: This variant is close to how 'Jacques a Dit' is played in France in playground competitions.

Take it to the table

Materials checklist, the steps and the variations on one Letter page.