Simon Says: A Great Game for Classroom Management

A simple playground game becomes a teacher’s favorite tool

by Jocelyn Greene

teacher standing with arms out and children mirroring her — “Simon Says” played by Child’s Play NY students

In the middle of a bustling preschool classroom, the teacher calls out, “Simon says, touch your toes!” and twenty tiny bodies fold in half, giggling as they reach for the floor. A moment later, she says, “Touch your nose!”—and a few eager students move too soon. Laughter ripples through the group.

To the casual observer, it might look like a simple game. But what’s really happening in that circle is a masterclass in focus, self-regulation, and community building—all through play.

Child’s Play NY founder, Jocelyn Greene, collaborated with Edutopia and the Co-Op School of Brooklyn, NY to bring the Simon Says game to life. Watch the video below to learn more about how Classroom teachers use the game for transitions and classroom management.

“When students laugh, move, and connect, dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter—floods the brain, boosting motivation and memory.”

From Playgrounds to Prefrontal Cortex

When children play Simon Says, they’re doing much more than following directions. Neuroscientists tell us that during moments of shared play, mirror neurons in the brain fire off in remarkable ways. These neurons help us learn through imitation and connection—when we watch someone else move, speak, or express emotion, our brain “mirrors” that action internally.

In Simon Says, kids must listen carefully, inhibit their first impulses, and act only when cued. This strengthens executive function skills like attention, working memory, and self-control—skills tied directly to academic and social success. It’s no accident that theater educators have used games like this for decades; they build the brain’s capacity for focus while nurturing creativity and joy.

Why Theater Games Work

As someone who has spent years bringing theater into schools, I’ve seen the power of games like Simon Says again and again. Theater games spark what psychologists call “co-regulation”—when children synchronize their bodies and emotions with others. That shared rhythm builds trust, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

When the whole class listens for “Simon says” and moves together, they’re not just completing a chore like lining up for recess. They’re sharing laughter, building relationships, and learning to read social cues in real time. It turns routine moments into mini-performances, where everyone is both audience and actor.

And here’s the best part: these games are flexible. A quick round can help a group shake off the wiggles, refocus before a lesson, or wrap up the day with energy and connection. They meet students where they are emotionally and give teachers a toolkit for managing transitions with warmth rather than rigidity. Another Child’s Play NY game that supports listening and focus is our Mirror game.

The Joy Factor

Playful learning experiences light up the brain differently than rote instruction. When students laugh, move, and connect, dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter—floods the brain, boosting motivation and memory. Suddenly, transitions aren’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; they become opportunities for joy and engagement.

A Call to Play

In a world where classroom time feels increasingly pressured, theater games like Simon Says remind us that learning and laughter aren’t separate things. They are partners. When we bring play into the classroom, we’re not just managing behavior; we’re nurturing brains, bodies, and hearts.

So the next time your students need to line up, grab supplies, or shift gears between lessons, try calling out, “Simon says, clap your hands!” Watch as the room transforms—students smiling, neurons firing, a community learning together through the simple magic of play.