Simon Says ‘Set a World Record’

attendees will be warming up and stretching this evening to prepare for tomorrow’s grand event. Their “listening ears” need to be in great shape if they hope to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest game of Simon Says in multiple venues.

The Goddard School of Brookfield, a daycare center on Federal Road that stresses early childhood education, will join 370-plus other Goddard Schools across the country in an attempt to break the current Guinness Record. According to the official Guinness website, the number to beat is 12,215. The current record was set during the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Cedar City, Utah in 2007.

The belief that play is fundamental to child development is an underlying philosophy of the Goddard Schools. According to Allison Dell, owner of Brookfield’s Goddard School, this event is a chance to promote the “Power of Play.”

“‘The Power of Play’ is about providing children with the opportunity to be children,” Dell explained. “Age-appropriate play helps children to learn and to develop.”

In our all too often fast paced lives, just the momentary memory of playing “Simon Says” as a child can make you chuckle, she noted.

“’Simon Says’ is a silly game that most adults can remember and relate to.  If it makes you stop and giggle, that’s the point.”  Dell shared.

The Goddard School has programs for infants through six years old. Toddlers and up will be participating in the attempt, which takes place on Friday, September 23 at precisely 10:30 a.m., EST. The game will happen simultaneously across the country with a “live” Simon in each location and classroom.  

Of course, the kids just think they’re playing a “big game,” but Dell believes they have a good chance of setting the record. Results of the event need to be submitted by September 30 for review by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Upon winning, Dell plans on a school-wide party that includes pizza and ice cream.