Simon Says + Movement Choice Board

Here's an activity every student loves—and that your nonverbal students can lead!

Here’s how it works:

1. Model a round of “Simon Says.” Call out simple commands for your students to follow, modifying any movements for performers with mobility challenges. The above video (from Teaching Theater to Students of Varied Abilities) shows how to level the activity up or down to meet students right where they are.

2. Next, invite one of your performers to play the “Simon.”

3. If the performer who is playing “Simon” is nonverbal, download the Movement Choice Board, and allow the student to point to the movement they want the rest of the class to follow. The student who is nonverbal can hold up a green card to signify when “Simon Says,.” just like in this video (see 4:20).   

This game provides a simple, engaging way to practice leadership, active listening, and following instructions. The result? Students who take less time to process what you’re instructing them to do and a teacher who has more productive class time to focus on what’s important!