Simon Says Listening Game: Free Printable Game for Reception
Simon Says Listening Game is a free printable game for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage. Listen carefully. Only move when Simon says. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This game includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Simon says touch your nose
- Simon says clap twice
- Jump up high
- Simon says turn around
- Simon says wave
- Touch your toes
- Simon says sit down
- Simon says hop
- Stand on one leg
- Simon says smile
Who this is for
Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5) in Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Early Years Foundation Stage runs from birth to the end of Reception, up to age 5. Children learn best through play, talk and hands-on activity, so this sheet is designed to be shared with a grown-up. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Listening
- Following rules
- Movement
Children practise careful listening and following spoken instructions.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Communication and Language. Key stage: Early Years Foundation Stage. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- 2 or more players. About 10 minutes. The leader reads cards in any order.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Start with only 'Simon says' cards.
To stretch confident children
The child becomes the leader and reads out the cards.
Make it a game
If you move on a card with no 'Simon says', sit down for one round.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Read the rules out loud together before you start, so everyone plays the same game.
- Take turns being the person who reads or checks. It builds listening as well as knowledge.
- Keep rounds short. Two quick games beat one long one.
A screen-free communication and language activity for Reception
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free communication and language activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free communication and language resources for teachers
Teachers can use this game as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Communication and Language ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free communication and language worksheets for Reception, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider communication and language plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Communication and Language | Listening, Attention and Understanding | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can listen carefully to an instruction.
- I can follow instructions with more than one step.
- I can wait until I hear the right words.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What did you need to listen for?
- What was the hardest instruction to follow?
- Can you give a friend an instruction to follow?
More like this
- My Show and Tell Prompt Cards
- Listening Bingo Sounds Around Us
- Sound Story Box Prompts
- Vocabulary Builder Clothes Words
Same subject, one year down: Vocabulary Builder Clothes Words
Frequently asked questions
What age is Simon Says Listening Game for?
It is written for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage.
What will children practise?
Children practise careful listening and following spoken instructions.
How do I use it?
2 or more players. About 10 minutes. The leader reads cards in any order.
What if it feels too hard?
Start with only 'Simon says' cards.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Simon Says Listening Game suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Early Years Foundation Stage | More communication and language printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources