Players: 3 or more
Time: 10 minutes
You need: Nothing
Ages: 4 and above
Type: Games for kids

Who it suits and when to play

Leader Says suits children from four to ten, in a classroom, at a party or in a park, and it needs nothing at all. It trains listening, which is why teachers use it to settle a class. Three players are enough, and thirty is no problem. Let the children take turns at being the leader; that is the part they like best.

How to play

One player is the leader and stands in front.
The leader calls commands such as "Leader says touch your nose".
Players do the action only when the command starts with "Leader says".
A player who follows a command without those words, or is too slow, is out.
The last player left becomes the next leader.

Commands to call

Touch your nose
Hop on one foot
Clap three times
Turn around
Touch your toes
Wave both hands
Sit down
Stand like a tree
Pat your head
Jump twice
Close one eye
March on the spot

Tips and variations

The leader can trick players by doing a different action from the one called.

Common problems and how to fix them

The same children are always out first. Being out lasts for one round only, or the player does three jumps and comes back in.
The leader gives unsafe commands. Agree on the rule: nothing that involves running into others, climbing or touching someone else.
Children copy the leader's action instead of listening. That is the game. Slow down for the smallest players and praise careful listening.

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