Simon Says Cards: Free Printable Card Set for Ages 2 to 4
Simon Says Cards is a free printable card set for Ages 2 to 4 (ages 2 to 4), in Early Years. Listen carefully and do what Simon says. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This card set includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Touch your toes
- Clap your hands
- Hop on one foot
- Wave hello
- Stretch up high
- Wiggle your fingers
- Stamp your feet
- Spin around
- Nod your head
- Tap your knees
- Pat your tummy
- Sit down
Who this is for
Ages 2 to 4 (ages 2 to 4) in Early Years.
Early learning before school is best done through play, talk and hands-on activity. Keep sessions short, stop while it is still fun, and sit alongside your child. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Listening
- Moving
- Following instructions
Children practise listening, following instructions and moving their bodies.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: PE. Key stage: Early Years. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- A grown-up is Simon and picks a card. Say Simon says before the action for the children to copy. If you do not say it, they should stay still. Any number of players, about 10 minutes.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Do the action together every time, with no tricks at first.
To stretch confident children
Mix two cards together, such as clap and then spin.
Make it a game
Let each child take a turn to be Simon.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free pe activity for Ages 3 to 4
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free pe activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free pe resources for teachers
Teachers can use this card set as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
PE ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free pe worksheets for Ages 3 to 4, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider pe plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Communication and Language | Listening, Attention and Understanding | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can listen carefully.
- I can follow an instruction.
- I can move my body in different ways.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What do you do when Simon says?
- What happens when Simon does not say?
- Can you give a Simon says instruction?
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Egg and Spoon Race
Frequently asked questions
What age is Simon Says Cards for?
It is written for Ages 2 to 4 (ages 2 to 4), in Early Years.
What will children practise?
Children practise listening, following instructions and moving their bodies.
How do I use it?
A grown-up is Simon and picks a card. Say Simon says before the action for the children to copy. If you do not say it, they should stay still. Any number of players, about 10 minutes.
What if it feels too hard?
Do the action together every time, with no tricks at first.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Simon Says Cards suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Early Years | More pe printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources