A very simple and effective game for younger students is “Simon Says.” I use this for note naming and finger number practice, but I’m sure there are many other uses as well!

For note naming, I have the student stand at the piano. I then say, “Simon says, ‘Play an A up high’” and so forth. We play for a certain amount of time, and count the number of correct notes. Of course, I try to trick the student by simply saying, “Play a C down low.” If they play the C when I didn’t say “Simon Says,” we start the count over.

For finger numbers, I have the student stand away from the piano while I say things like, “Simon says, ‘Touch your nose with finger number 2.’”

Sometimes, if there is time, I let them be “Simon,” and try and trick me!