Activity: Listening Detective

Purpose: Help children reflect on listening skills and understand why exact words matter.

Time: 2 minutes

Materials:

• Simon Says Visual Cue Cards

Instructions:

1. Gather children in a circle quickly after the game.
2. Show the “Simon says” and regular command cards side by side.
3. Ask each question, giving children a moment to think and respond:
   • “How did you know when to move?”
     
     
     
   • “What happens if Simon doesn’t say ‘Simon says’?”
     
     
     
   • “Why is it important to listen for the exact words?”
     
     
     
4. Acknowledge every child’s answer and reinforce:
   • “Great listening! You noticed the special words that tell us when to move.”

Follow-Up:

• Remind children that paying attention to exact words keeps us safe and helps us play games correctly.

Game: Simon Says Superstar Game

Purpose: Reinforce listening closely and following one-step verbal directions in a fun, active way.

Materials:

• Simon Says Visual Cue Cards
• Simon Says Superstar Song Audio (optional background music)
• Space for children to move safely
• Sticker Reward Stickers for positive reinforcement

Setup:

1. Clear a small open area so all children can see you and move without bumping into each other.
2. Place visual cue cards in easy view (on an easel or taped to the wall).
3. Have sticker rewards within reach.

How to Play:

1. Gather children standing or sitting where they can all see you.
2. Explain: “When you hear ‘Simon says’ and then an action, do it! If I don’t say ‘Simon says,’ stay still.” Show a quick demo using a visual cue card.
3. Start with simple commands: “Simon says touch your nose,” “Simon says clap your hands.”
4. Mix in “no‐Simon” commands: e.g., “Jump up!” (children should not move).
   • If a child moves on a non‐Simon command, they sit quietly for one turn and then rejoin.
5. Vary pace and actions: stomping feet, spinning, “Simon says roar like a lion,” etc.
6. Optionally play the Simon Says Superstar Song Audio softly to maintain energy.

Variations & Extensions:

• Make commands two‐step (e.g., “Simon says touch your head, then spin around”).
• Use opposite commands: “Simon says sit” vs. “Stand up” (no‐Simon) to boost attention.
• Add props (scarves, small instruments) for certain actions (“Simon says shake your scarf”).

Positive Reinforcement:

• Praise groups of children who follow correctly (“Great listening, everyone!”).
• Give individual Sticker Reward Stickers to kids who’ve followed multiple commands in a row.
• Offer high‐fives or thumbs‐up for enthusiastic participation.

Differentiation & Support:

• For learners who need extra help, show them the visual cue cards before each command.
• Slow down your speech and model the action first.
• Pair early finishers or stronger listeners with peers who need more support to help them notice “Simon says.”

Closure:

• After 7–10 minutes of play, gather children back in a circle.
• Briefly recap: “How did we know when to move? Who can remind us what words Simon says?”
• Congratulate everyone on being Superstars at listening!

Group Discussion: Listening Superstars

Time: 2 minutes

Materials:

• Simon Says Visual Cue Cards

Instructions:

1. Gather children in a circle and show the “Simon says” and “no-Simon” cards.
2. Ask each question, giving children time to think and answer:
   • “What words did Simon say before we could move?”
     
     
     
   • “What do we do when Simon doesn’t say those special words?”
     
     
     
   • “How does listening carefully help us play the game?”
     
     
     
3. Encourage sharing:
   • “Who did a great job waiting for the right words? Show me!”
   • “What was your favorite action today?”
     
     
     
     
     
     

Teacher Prompts & Follow-Ups:

• “Yes, exactly! ‘Simon says’ are the magic words.”
• “Right! We stay still when Simon doesn’t say.”
• “Listening helps us not make mistakes.”

Closing:

• “Give yourselves a big clap for listening so well!”
• “Remember, listening helps us learn and have fun every day!”