Following Directions is Important
When we think of following directions it doesn't seem like there's much to it. But if you stop and really think about all things you must do to follow directions, it's easy to see just how hard it can be. Following directions requires us to do several things all at once.
- decipher the details of either spoken or written language
- put the directions into appropriate steps to complete the task
- learn to ask for clarification of directions if we don't understand
- determine what tools or supplies are needed to complete the task
- complete the task
How to Effectively Give Direction to Students
Have you ever sat back and thought about how you are delivering directions or instruction to your class? Here are a few things I like to consider before giving my students directions:
- Am I being clear?
- Are the directions concise?
- Have I explained why?
- Did I give them time to process?
- Can they explain the directions back to me?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you are more than likely providing good directions to your students.
Visuals are also great tools to use when practicing following directions with your students. Display directions on the board with words and/or pictures. This allows students to self-monitor and complete activities independently.For students that need fewer distractions or more help with multi-step directions, provide them with directions right at their student desk. Many students that struggle with following directions thrive with visual steps to reference.
However you choose to provide visual directions, this is one thing I know: this will eliminate many questions and save students from frustration. When our students can follow directions and complete a task independently, they gain a sense of pride and ownership in their work. And . . . with some practice, they start to naturally do this on their own!
Following Directions Activities
Mastering the skill of following directions takes lots of practice. We typically practice this skill informally all year long. Many times this looks like classroom rules and procedures, completing assignments, or following one-time directions. Boring! Learning to follow directions doesn't have to always be tied to something so serious. In fact, we can help our students learn these important skills in a fun and interactive way!
Games like Simon Says are great ways to practice following directions. While this game is usually one-step commands, why not increase the difficulty. Give two and three-step directions for students to follow. And . . . make a rule that they can't start doing the activity until you have finished the instructions.
Another favorite activity to practice following directions uses drawing a picture. The students love it and it lends itself to simple and complex directions.
I like to use following directions pictures in two ways: listening to directions and reading directions.
For the listening to directions version, I will give students a blank sheet of paper. Then, I'll read step by directions aloud to them. I may say, "Draw a tree on the right side of the page. {Pause} Draw a big pile of leaves under the tree. {Pause} Draw a dog under the tree."
I will continue to give directions until the picture is finished. The kids love the anticipation of finding out what the finished picture will be. I love that students are working on auditory processing skills and following directions.
You can also use following directions pictures as an independent activity that works on reading comprehension and following directions.
For this activity, I will provide students with a sheet of paper with the directions on it. Students will complete the task on their own. It is very easy to see who followed directions and who did not!
The students absolutely LOVE these following directions pictures and will ask to do them. Not only are they a great way to teach following directions, but with a little discussion time afterward, students can really dig into why it is important and what they can do to improve.
Following Directions Activities Just Got Easier
Wouldn't it be nice to have a year of following directions activities right at your fingertips? I thought so, too! So, I created a variety of following directions activities for my classroom. As I started using them consistently I noticed that my students were getting better and better at following directions the first time!
I want that for your students too! That is why I have made these activities available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. In fact, I have an entire category just for following directions activities!
Each resource will provide lots of practice for following directions, using critical thinking skills, improving listening and reading comprehension, and some creativity too.
The following directions activities are very versatile. They can be used for:
- Whole group instruction
- Independent practice
- Morning tubs
- Centers
- Early finishers
- Informal assessment for comprehension skills
- Auditory listening activities
- Lessons for a sub
There are many versions available like
You and your students will love them all.
I hope these following directions activities have given you some great ideas to get started with in your classroom. Remember, practice makes perfect and that goes for skills like following directions too!
Following Directions Activities for the Entire Year
If you are ready to incorporate following directions activities in your classroom, then make sure to look at this bundle. It will have you covered from the beginning of the year to the end!
Save these Tips and Ideas for Teaching Following Directions
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite classroom Pinterest board, so that you can come back when you need some ideas for teaching or reviewing following directions with your students.
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