Grammar Games at Home: Simon Says

anatomy - n. the parts that form a living thing, such as an animal or plant

challenging - adj. difficult in a way that is usually interesting or enjoyable

yard - n. an outdoor area that is next to a house and is usually covered by grass

vocabulary - n. the words that make up a language

practice - v. to do something again and again in order to get better at it

modal verb - n. a verb (such as can, must or should) that is usually used with another verb to express ideas such as possibility, necessity, and permission

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Choosing Vocabulary

Before you play, choose the level of difficulty for the game. You can make the game faster and pick harder words for more fluent speakers.

Examples of more commonly known words for body parts include eyes, ears, nose, mouth, face, hands and feet. Less known are words including knees, shoulders, elbows, stomach and forehead.

Verbs more widely understood include touch, stand, sit, jump, run, turn, close and move. Less commonly known verbs include wiggle, hop, jog, shake, kick, cross and bend.

If you choose harder words, it is a good idea to discuss them with the players before starting the game. You can practice before you play.

For help saying new words, visit a website that lets you hear the words as they are spoken, such as Merriam Webster's Learners Dictionary.