One child is selected to be Simon. The rest of the children sit around
in a circle. Simon stands in the middle and gives all sorts of orders
for the children to follow. Every order which begins with "Simon says"
must be obeyed, whether Simon performs it or not, but if Simon should
give some order, such as "Thumbs down," whether he puts his thumbs
down or not, it must not be obeyed by the others because it was not
preceded by "Simon says."

All sorts of orders such as "Thumbs up," "Thumbs down," "Thumbs
wiggle-waggle," "Thumbs pull left ear," etc., are given. The faster
the orders are given, the more confusing it is. A forfeit must be paid
by those who fail to obey the orders.



OLD SOLDIER.


One child, who represents the old soldier, goes around to each child
in turn and begs for something, saying that he is poor, hungry, blind,
etc., and asks what they will do for him.

In answering the old soldier no one must use the words, "Yes," "No,"
"Black," or "White." As soon as a child is asked, he must answer
immediately. If he does not, or says any of the forbidden words, he
must pay a forfeit.