Early Atlas

Activity

Simple Simon Says

Children follow one-step spoken directions in a playful listening game.

Ages 12–30 months

Inspired by Play-based learning listening directions movement

Supports this milestone

  • attends to, understands, and responds to communication and language from others. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

  • No materials needed

Steps

  • Give one simple direction at a time, such as "Touch your nose."
  • Pause and let the child carry out the direction without gesturing.
  • Celebrate the action and name it back ("You touched your nose!").
  • Add new one-step directions as the child succeeds.

Variations

  • Use directions tied to a routine, like "Put the cup on the tray."
  • Let the child be the leader and give a direction.

Differentiation

  • For beginners, pair the words with a gesture, then fade the gesture.
  • For older children, try two-step directions.

Accessibility

  • Pair spoken directions with a sign or picture for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Allow extra processing time before repeating.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas