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This twist on the classic game Simon says is great for younger children. All you need is their favourite toy.
You can introduce loads of new words to you child when you play this, from verbs to colours, numbers, body parts and loads more.
Check out the video below to see how this game challenges your child's memory, attention and listening skills. Will they get caught when you don't say "Teddy says"?
Teddy says鈥"Jump really high!"
Touch your head. Oh no鈥 You're only supposed to do it when teddy says, remember! We're going to have a game of 'teddy bear says'. So whatever teddy bear says, Lyla's got to do. But remember, if teddybear doesn't say it鈥ou don't do it! You ready?
Teddy bear says鈥"Jump up and down!"
Turn around. Ah! Teddy didn't say! [Laughs]
Teddy says "touch your nose.
"Teddy says鈥"Skip!"
That's it.
Teddy says鈥"Wave your hands.
"Touch your eyes. Oh no! You're only supposed to doit when teddy says, remember!
Touch your toes. Oh, nearly!
Sit on the floor.[Laughs]. Good girl! Do you want to have ago with the teddy bear? And you tell mummy what to do?
Yeah, come on then.
Teddy says鈥"Wiggle your whole body.
"Teddy says鈥"Wiggle your feet."Wiggle!
Hop on one leg. Teddy didn't say!
Teddy says "touch your knees.
"Touch your cheeks. Teddy didn't say! Caught me out!
Teddy says鈥"Hop on one arm, one leg." Easy!
How about we swap and I tell you to do that one?
[Laughs] No!
What are the benefits of playing Teddy / Simon Says?
- Teddy says allows children to practise lots of different sets of words in short, simple sentences.
- It is also a great way of introducing lots of actions words, which are essential for early sentence building.
- Letting your child take the lead can help them format sentences on their own and get creative.
- Playing this game encourages great listening skills and helps them follow two-part instructions.
- Working out whether or not they have to do the action helps children develop their decision-making and problem-solving skills.
How to adapt Teddy says for your child
Whoever holds your child's favourite toy will be the leader and call out actions.
Your child, and anyone else joining in, must follow the leader and do the action they call out, but only when Teddy says.
If the leader says, "Teddy says wiggle your whole body", everyone must wiggle their whole body. However, if the leader just says, "wiggle your whole body", no one should do this.
Make sure to explain the rules clearly to your little one and expect a few mistakes when you first start playing.
If your child is struggling to pick up the game just try giving all the instructions as "Teddy says", so they have to follow the action.
You can make this even easier by using simpler sentences like "ready, steady, jump", then say "stop".
Once you're confident that your child understands the rules, have a go at giving a two-part instruction and see if they can follow it. For example, "Teddy says wiggle your fingers and stick your tongue out."
You can also let your child give the instructions. Being in charge can help children gain the confidence to speak more clearly and test out new words and sentence structures.
Ideas for Teddy / Simon says games
If you're enjoying playing this game at home with your child but are struggling to come up with more fun instructions, check out the list below for inspiration.
| Sit down | Turn in a circle | Jump up and down | Pat your belly |
| Run on the spot | Hop on one foot | Do a silly dance | Make a sad / happy face |
| Touch your toes | Wave your hands | Reach for the stars | Do 5 star jumps |
| Give teddy a hug | Clap your hands | Snap your fingers | Stick your tongue out |
| Touch your nose / ears / mouth | Wiggle your toes / fingers | Pretend to be a cat | Tickle someone |
| Fold your arms | High five someone | Act like an animal | Close your eyes |
