How Simon Says Builds Toddler Speech Skills

The power of imitation in early language

Toddlers are wired to learn by watching and copying you. Imitation is not just a cute stage; it is a core engine of toddler speech development. When a child mirrors your sounds, gestures, and actions, the brain is practicing all the ingredients that support speech and language skills: listening closely, coordinating mouth and body movements, remembering sequences, and taking turns.

This serve-and-return rhythm of parent-child play builds a foundation for communication. It increases joint attention, strengthens the skills needed for conversation, and gives toddlers thousands of low-pressure chances to connect words with actions. That is why imitation games are such efficient, joyful tools for learning.

Why Simon Says is a speech booster

Classic Simon Says is more than a rainy-day filler. It targets several speech and language skills at once:

• Listening and attention: Kids must tune in for the magic phrase and filter out distractions.
• Auditory processing: Following Simon says touch your nose requires hearing specific words and linking them to actions.
• Vocabulary growth: Repeated actions pair words like clap, jump, behind, under with meaningful movement.
• Grammar in action: Short phrases model word order, verb endings, and simple prepositions.
• Speech sound practice: Words with early-developing sounds, like p, b, m, can be repeated in playful bursts.
• Turn-taking and self-control: Waiting for the cue strengthens executive function, which supports communication.
• Confidence to speak: Low-stakes copying reduces pressure and invites more attempts.

At Tiny Talkers, we often point parents to simple games like this because they deliver a high developmental return in a short, fun burst. The program is developed with input from doctors, speech therapists, and educators, and it emphasizes everyday play as a powerful speech tool.

How to play Simon Says for speech success

Set up the game so your toddler can win often and hear lots of clear, repeated language.

1. Start with gestures: Use big, visible actions. Example prompts:
2. Simon says touch your nose
3. Simon says clap
4. Simon says wave bye-bye
5. Model first, then wait: Do the action as you say it, then pause 3–5 seconds to let your child try.
6. Keep phrases short: Aim for 2–5 words. If needed, use a simple frame: Simon says + action.
7. Repeat key words: Echo the target word before and after. Touch your nose. Simon says touch your nose. You touched your nose.
8. Use praise for effort: Cheer attempts, not perfection. I love how you listened. You tried clap.
9. Mix in no-cue trials later: Once your child understands the pattern, sometimes say Touch your toes without Simon says to build attention and self-control. Keep it playful.
10. End on success: Finish with an easy win and a celebratory high-five.

Tip: For very young toddlers, skip the trick part entirely at first. Just say Simon says and do the action together.

Variations to target specific speech goals

Use these twists to focus on particular skills while keeping the game fresh.

• Sound play (speech sounds):
• Simon says make a b-b-b boat sound
• Simon says mmmm yummy

• Simon says t-t-t tap
  Aim for early sounds like p, b, m, t, d, n.

• Action words (verbs):

• Simon says jump, tap, stomp, roll, march, whisper, wiggle

• Add ing endings: Simon says jumping or We are jumping to model grammar.

• Body parts and clothing (vocabulary):

• Simon says touch elbow, ankle, zipper, sock

• Rotate items by season: mitten, hood, boots.

• Concepts and prepositions (spatial words):

• Simon says put the teddy on your head, under the chair, behind your back

• Simon says stand next to mom

• Two-step directions (memory and sequencing):

• Simon says clap and then sit

• Simon says touch your nose, then your knees
  Begin with and then add then for clarity.

• Prosody and volume (speech melody):

• Simon says whisper hello

• Simon says say bye in a big voice

• Social communication:

• Simon says look at my eyes, your turn
• Build in taking turns as the leader to practice perspective-taking.

Adapting for ages and needs

12–18 months

• Keep it gesture-first: clap, wave, blow a kiss.
• Pair one word with each action: Clap, Wave, Up.
• Celebrate any sound or movement attempt.

18–24 months

• Add simple verbs and body parts.
• Use two-word phrases: clap hands, touch nose.
• Offer choices: Simon says clap or stomp. Child picks and copies.

2–3 years

• Introduce two-step directions and early prepositions.
• Let your child be Simon for a turn to boost expressive language.
• Add pretend play props: hat, spoon, box.

Bilingual households

• Alternate languages each round or repeat the same direction in both languages. The repetition helps mapping across languages and strengthens understanding.
• Keep commands short and consistent in each language to reduce confusion.

Shy or late talkers

• Use a silent Simon round where you model the action without words; then add the word. This reduces pressure and invites vocal imitation.
• Offer choosable cues: Show two picture cards or objects the child can point to for the next command. You name and model it.

Sensory seekers or movers

• Front-load movement: 1–2 big actions (jump, spin) followed by 1 quiet action (whisper, tiptoe). This keeps arousal balanced so listening stays strong.

Common pitfalls and easy fixes

• Too tricky too soon: If your child looks confused, simplify to one-step, high-gesture commands.
• Speaking too fast: Slow down and add a 3–5 second pause to give processing time.
• Correcting instead of modeling: Replace No, not that with a model: Try this. Simon says touch your knees. Then help their hands if needed.
• Too much sitting: Toddlers learn with movement. Keep rounds short and dynamic.
• Ending on a miss: Always end with an easy win to keep motivation high.

A 5-minute plan you can repeat all week

Short, daily bursts beat long, occasional sessions. Try this:

• Minute 1: Warm-up sounds
• Three playful noises: mmm, b-b-b, shhhh.

• Pair each with a face or body action.

• Minutes 2–3: Action round

• Five commands targeting verbs and body parts: clap, tap toes, touch nose, wave, jump.

• Repeat favorites for confidence.

• Minute 4: Concept round

• Use a stuffed animal: under chair, on head, next to shoe.

• Minute 5: Child leads

• Offer two picture cards or objects to choose a command.
• Echo their words and expand: Child says clap. You say Yes, clap hands.

Consistency builds skills. Over a week, you will naturally recycle words, which strengthens memory and pronunciation.

How imitation games grow real-life conversation

• From action to talk: Moving first makes the meaning of words obvious. Once meaning is solid, words come more easily.
• From single words to phrases: Simon says clap hand can become clap your hands, then I am clapping, then We are clapping together.
• From listening to leading: Taking a turn as Simon builds expressive language and social confidence.

These steps mirror typical toddler speech development and can be adapted for many learning styles.

When to seek extra support

Playful practice helps, and early support helps even more when needed. Consider checking in with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist if you notice:

• Little babbling by 9–12 months or few gestures like pointing and waving by 12 months
• No new words by 15–18 months, or fewer than about 50 words and no two-word phrases by 24 months
• Limited response to name, inconsistent eye contact, or frequent frustration with communication
• Loss of words or social skills at any age
• Concerns about hearing

Evidence-based tools can guide your next steps. Tiny Talkers, developed with input from doctors, speech therapists, and educators, offers practical tips and checklists that align with what research shows about early speech and language skills.

The takeaway

Imitation games turn ordinary moments into powerful language lessons. Simon Says blends movement, attention, vocabulary, grammar, and social skills into one joyful routine. Keep it short, keep it simple, and keep it playful. With a few minutes a day and the right tweaks for your child, you will nurture listening, speaking, and confidence that carry far beyond the game.

You do not need special materials, just your voice, your actions, and your connection. That is the heart of parent-child play and the secret to helping tiny talkers grow.

Related reading

• The Role of Listening Skills in Speech Development
• Language Games to Play While Cooking With Your Toddler