This is a classic TPR game (Total Physical Response) and gets the students up and participating, as well as learning actively.
The teacher (or a student(s)) instructs other students to do certain actions.
Ex. Simon says, “Touch your nose”! or Simon says, “jump up and down”.
If the caller doesn’t say “Simon says” and only, “Touch your nose” and if a student does that action – they are eliminated and must sit out.
For older students don’t use “Simon says” but use “Please” or “Could you…” or “Don’t”. This nicely teaches the imperative to students.
Even better, get students playing this game in small groups. It will go much quicker and focus more on student talk time.
Simon says, “Get playing Simon Says!”
Simon Says! ,