Using Simon Says for Classroom Transitions
A classic follow-the-leader game can work for all kinds of classroom management tasks—from arrivals to transitions to cleanup.
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Go to My Saved Content.At The Co-op School in Brooklyn, New York, the timeless game Simon Says is getting a fresh purpose. No longer just a playground favorite, when the game is used in the classroom, it’s a simple, effective way to manage daily tasks, have smooth transitions, and keep students engaged from one activity to the next.
As preschool teacher Sarah Dolcin explains, Simon Says is “just another way of completing tasks in a fun way.” On any given day, the game might be used to line up for recess, tidy the room, collect supplies, or grab water bottles. Students follow the leader’s directions only when they hear the phrase “Simon says.” Skip those magic words, and anyone who moves is caught—a lighthearted challenge that keeps everyone listening closely and thinking before they act.
The beauty of this deceptively basic game is that it works on multiple levels. “It’s great to use for transitioning,” Dolcin notes, “and to practice self-control.” While students are laughing and moving, they’re also sharpening important skills—active listening, comprehension, impulse control, and even teamwork. They have to tune in to the details of each command, process it quickly, and make sure they respond at just the right time.
The activity also builds a sense of classroom community. When students are playing together, they’re not just completing chores or moving from one lesson to the next—they’re sharing moments of joy, laughter, and connection. This positive energy makes it easier to shift between tasks and keeps the day running smoothly.
Best of all, the rules are easy for everyone to understand, but flexible enough to match the day’s needs. A few quick commands can get the class moving, refocus attention, or wrap up an activity with energy and cooperation. “It’s a simple game,” Dolcin says, “but at the same time it helps us achieve multiple goals at once.”
To find more games for classroom transitions and management, look up the many articles that Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene has written for Edutopia.