2.5y–4.2y12 minActive playMusicFamily time
Ready, Steady… Go! Simon Says Signals
A playful listen-for-the-signal movement game that helps your child practise waiting, noticing key words, and following simple directions (with lots of giggles and quick resets).
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear safe space (indoors or outdoors)
Nice to have
- a household sound signal (e.g., clap, tap a spoon on a cup) to mark ‘GO!’
- a soft toy (to do actions with, like ‘teddy jump’)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneIndependently restrains impulsesHeart· 4y–6y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTwo-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· core
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Play games which involve listening for a signal, such as ‘Simon Says’, and use ‘ready, steady…go!’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)