Kids Try to Beat 'Simon Says' Record

It’s a well-researched fact embraced by most early childhood educators that play is learning for young children and key to cognitive development. The 370 Goddard Schools across the country are placing a bright spotlight on the importance of play Friday in a grand multi-site game of Simon Says.

The goal Goddard has set is to beat the world record for a Simon Says game at multiple venues. To do that, they’ll have to collectively register 12,215 kids and coordinate the game to take place at the same time at all the Goddard School locations.

Brad Toston, owner of the Temple Terrace franchise, said the staff is following the procedures and certification requirements from the Guinness Book organization so that the game will be valid.

“Kenneth Albano, , will be the official witness reporting back to Guinness,” Toston said. “We’ll have three more witnesses: Rachel Haviland, New Tampa Chamber of Commerce president, and two representatives from Tampa Park and Recreation.”

The world-record attempt is the culmination of weeklong activities at the school that encompass the power of play.

Friday’s open house begins at 10 a.m., and there are activities planned to highlight fitness and play. Children will be encouraged to participate in interactive demonstrations put on by staffers from Tot Start Academy, Soccer Shotz, Tumblebus, and the Webby Dance Company. Sunny Florida Dairy is providing free ice cream.

Although the fun and games start at 10 a.m., families should plan to arrive no later than 1 p.m. if they want to participate in the Simon Says game. No pre-registration is required.

"It’s going to be a fun day for families,” Toston said. “We welcome everyone with pre-school aged children to come out and play Simon Says and help break the Guinness record.”