Boost Team Spirit with a Fun Game of Simon Says

What is Simon Says?

Simon Says is a classic icebreaker activity that can add a lot of fun to any group gathering. This game is easy to play and doesn't require any special equipment or materials, so it's perfect for spur-of-the-moment get-togethers or large events. The basic idea is that one person takes on the role of "Simon" and gives a series of commands, but only the commands that start with "Simon says" should be followed by the other players.

To play Simon Says, the person chosen as "Simon" gives commands, such as "Simon says touch your nose", and everyone else must follow those commands. However, if Simon does not include the phrase "Simon says" in the command, the players should not follow it. If a player makes a mistake and follows a command that doesn't begin with "Simon says", they are out of the game. The last player standing becomes the new Simon, and the game continues.

The main goals of Simon Says are to have fun, break the ice, and get everyone involved and engaged in a playful way. This activity is especially good for groups where participants don't know each other well, as it can help people loosen up and feel more comfortable around each other.

Simon Says can be played with people of any age, and is particularly popular at events such as birthday parties, family reunions, and team building sessions. However, it's important to note that there may be some people who don't enjoy this type of activity, or who may not be physically able to participate. In these cases, it may be best to choose a different icebreaker activity that everyone can enjoy.

To make Simon Says even more fun, try adding silly or unexpected commands, or have players change places and positions while playing. This can add an extra element of challenge and amusement to the game. Additionally, it's always helpful to reinforce the rules of the game and encourage players to follow them closely. With a little creativity and enthusiasm, Simon Says can be a lively and enjoyable activity for any group.

Materials needed for Simon Says

Simon Says requires no materials or tools to play. Just bring yourself and a few others and you'll have a great time!

How to play Simon Says

• Gather everyone in a group: Bring together a group of people who are willing to play the Simon Says icebreaker activity.
• Designate one person as the leader: Choose someone to be the 'Simon' or leader of the game. This person will be responsible for giving instructions and leading the group.
• Explain the rules: Make sure everyone understands how to play the game. Explain that Simon (the leader) will give instructions starting with 'Simon says...' and everyone needs to follow the instruction, but only if it is preceded by 'Simon says'. If Simon gives an instruction without saying 'Simon says', the players should not perform the action.
• Start the game: Have Simon begin giving instructions. They can say things like 'Simon says touch your nose' or 'Simon says jump up and down'. Remember, the players should only follow the instructions if the phrase 'Simon says' is included.
• Eliminate players for not following instructions: If a player performs an action without 'Simon says' preceding the instruction, they are out of the game and must sit down. Keep playing until only one player remains.
• Declare the winner: Once there is only one player left, declare them as the winner. They have successfully followed all the instructions correctly and outlasted the rest of the players.

Benefits of Simon Says

Team building activities are far more than just fun and games. They pack a punch when it comes to the range of benefits they can deliver. Some of the benefits of Simon Says include:

• Bonding - Playing Simon Says together is a great way to break the ice and build relationships between people who may not know each other very well yet.
• Following Instructions - Simon Says requires players to carefully listen and follow instructions, which can improve their ability to pay attention and follow directions in other areas of life.
• Teamwork - Depending on the variation of Simon Says being played, the activity can involve teamwork and communication between players, which can help develop these important skills.
• Physical Activity - Many variations of Simon Says require players to move their bodies in different ways, providing a fun way to get some exercise and burn off energy.
• Fun - Let's face it, playing games is just plain fun! Simon Says is no exception, and can provide a lighthearted and enjoyable way to spend time with others.

Why we like Simon Says

We love Simon Says because it's a classic game that's easy to learn and play. It's a great way to test your listening and motor skills, and to have fun with friends or family!

Reflection questions for Simon Says

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Simon Says.

1. How did you feel during the activity? - This question allows participants to reflect on their emotions during the game. It encourages self-awareness and understanding of one's emotional responses to different situations.
2. What strategies did you use to keep up with the commands? - This question asks participants to think about the different techniques they used to stay focused and keep up with the directions. It encourages creativity and problem-solving skills.
3. Did you find it challenging to follow the commands? - This question encourages participants to reflect on the difficulty level of the game and how it impacted their experience. It can help identify areas where participants may need more support or where modifications to the game could be made.
4. What did you learn about following directions? - This question asks participants to reflect on the importance of following directions and how it can impact our success in different situations. It encourages critical thinking and reflection on personal experiences.
5. How did the activity build teamwork and communication skills? - This question encourages participants to consider how the game promoted collaboration and communication between players. It highlights the importance of working together towards a common goal.

Which skills does Simon Says build?

• Listening - Listening skills in icebreakers and team building promote effective communication, understanding, and empathy among participants, fostering a positive and cohesive team dynamic.
• Focus - Focus skills are incredibly valuable for icebreakers and team building activities because they help participants stay engaged and present in the moment, allowing them to better connect with others and contribute to the group dynamics.
• Physical coordination - Physical coordination skills are a great asset for icebreakers and team building because they help foster a sense of unity and cooperation among participants. When people are able to work together seamlessly and synchronize their movements, it creates a fun and energizing atmosphere, breaking down barriers and promoting a stronger bond within the group.
• Quick response - Quick response skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building because they help create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, making it easier for team members to connect and collaborate effectively.