Whole Group Games
Simon Says– Playing Simon Says is a great way to build attentive listening. Make is an activity to strengthen a student’s ability to follow directions auditory by increasing the complexity of the task. Teach students to do one thing when another is said. For example, when I say “clap your hands” I want you to “nod your head.” Challenge their ability to follow directions without relying up visual cues by having them “do as I say, not as I do.” This may challenge you too! Have students do what you say, but when you say it, be doing something else. For example, when you say “clap your hands” be “stomping your feet.
| Art is Awesome– Have the entire class follow the same 5 directions and see what you come up with. Students take out a sheet of paper and follow auditory directions as given. (carlisleartclass.blogspot.com)
For example: 1) Draw 4 straight lines from one side to the other 2) Draw 5 circles, any size, anywhere 3) Draw 2 lines that start on an edge, curve and end somewhere in the middle 4) Color a minimum of 3 circles and 6 areas. 5) Switch papers with each other and grade together to be sure each has the components |
Red Light/Green Light– Create new lights and with the new light colors comes different things to do. Following the direction that red means stop and green means go is easy. Let’s have students stop and turn around to go the other way when you say “purple light” or move slowly like honey when you say “yellow light.” Following new, unexpected directions will help strengthen this skill.
Follow Directions Quiz– You know this drill. Give the students a “super important” quiz. The first line says they need to read all the instructions before beginning but don’t tell them that! Use this as a first activity to get them checked in to why this skill is so important!!
Individual/Center Activities
Barrier Games– These are games students can do in pairs of two. You put a barrier up between them so they cannot see what the other is doing (use a folder, or have them sit back to back). Students take turns giving instructions and the other has to follow them. If you do this as a whole class, have the teacher give the directions and write down what was said then review as a class. (blog.talkingmatters.com)
- Build It– Students have a pile of Legos and take turns giving instructions while both of them build per what was told. Do this with Play-Doh too.
- Mystery Picture Hunt– Each student has the same picture mat. Students take turns drawing a card. The student who draws then gives directions to the other student to help him or her try to identify what picture was drawn. Helps both students- give and follow directions (Susan Berkowitz. Click here for the Freebie from TPT)
Lego Builds– Use pre-packaged Lego sets and have students practice following visual directions to organize pieces, prioritize needed items and build per the directions given. (www.skillsdevelopmenttools.com)
Lego Action– Have a large basket of Legos. Students select a Lego and count the number of “knobs” on the piece. They then find the corresponding number card and complete the action listed. Make it harder be doing a 3 piece sequence. Put 3 Lego pieces in a row and then place Action cards beneath and have students do the entire sequence without stopping. (www.jdaniel4smom.com)
Ping Pong Pattern Match– Use ping pong balls and an empty egg crate. Color the balls with marker and then create visual displays of a variety for students to practice matching the balls to the direction given. (carrotsareorange.com)
Mr. Potato Head– Present 4 part direction cards that encourage students to put together the Potato Head in a certain manner for individual visual work. Set up as a barrier game to practice following verbal directions. Try “Spudtacular” as a group activity for older students. One student is blindfolded and the other students have to describe what to do to create the sequence presented. (thenaturalhomeschool.com)
Movement Games
Grid Game– Use masking tape to create a grid on the floor. Use chalk/marker/computer to create a grid on the wall. Number each box and then give directions for the student to walk or draw depending on what was said. The goal is to get from square 1 to the final square by following directions given. Give directions 1 at a time at first, then make them multi-step. If a student doesn’t follow the direction given, start over. Have students do this with each other or set up as a barrier game with grid paper and have them challenge each other.(KidsActivitiesBlog.Com)
Treasure Hunt- This is a fun game that can be done in a variety of ways. Teachers can hide a special item somewhere in the room or the school. Throughout the day, give students 1 direction from the map and write it on the board. Don’t give them in order. After five directions are given let students have time to try to follow the directions and see if they can discover the treasure. They may need to put them in different orders if they don’t find it on the first try! Have students write down what the treasure was and then have one student model the directions used to find it. Another option is to have students hide post-its with their number on it. Allow them to write or draw directions for another student to find their hidden number. (nspt4kids.com)
Outdoor or Individual Activities
Jumping Jacks (wow, who knew jumping jacks could be so tricky!)
Check it Off
Classroom Accommodations
(things you probably already do)
Ensure eye contact is made
Keep directions short and simple
Chunk directions, one step at a time
Direction Codes: For sets of directions you give frequently (e.g. take out your pencil, name on the top of the paper, complete worksheet on your own) turn them into a Code (color, object, class theme). Instead of always repeating the same directions tell the students “Code Pumpkin” when giving directions. Create a Code Book that students can reference when unsure of the directions. Add more codes as needed.
Provide visual cues with verbal directions
Have students check off when each step is done
Parroting & Partner Share/Support
Preview written directions & highlight key words
Set up an “I’m lost and need directions!” booth: One student/volunteer sits at the booth during an independent activity. If a student needs help with directions they go to the booth. Student or volunteer may have printed copy of instruction there and is working while also being available if needed.
Hocus Pocus Focus! 