Use this very simple, no-prep lesson to let your students use imperatives and directions to speak and have fun.

This is a very easy lesson for teachers, but one that children love! Basically, this is how to stretch Simon Says into a full engaging lesson for very young learners.

Step 1: Imperatives/Directions (10-15 minutes)

Teach students some directions. Choose between 6-10 new imperatives, such as “Push in your chair,” “Stand up,” “Read your book,” or whatever directions you want your students to know. Do plenty of miming/actions, chanting, and individual pronunciation.

Step 2: Whole-Class Simon Says (5-10 minutes)

Now play Simon Says. Give students instructions with Simon Says. Students who do the instruction wrong have to sit out.

Step 3: Partner Simon Says (5-10 minutes)

Now put students into partners. Choose one student to be Simon and let them boss their friend around. After a few minutes, switch and let the other student tell his friend what to do.

Step 4: Switch Partners (10 minutes)

Now do it again, but with new partners. Give students a few minutes for each partner and walk around making sure students are using the correct language.

Step 5: Whole-Class and Feedback (5-10 minutes)

Finally call a confident student up to play Simon Says as a whole class. Let a few students try.

While this activity can only be used as a full lesson one time, Partner Simon Says can easily be repeated in the future as a quick review, warm-up, or brain break.

Do you want to try more active classroom activities with your VYL students? Try these 20 Easy, Fun Flashcard Games (10 Stirrers and 10 Settlers)