Whether 1-step directions or multi-step directions, students need practice and clear expectations. Students follow hundreds of directions every year at school and home. In order to improve their ability to process oral directions and listening skills, you can incorporate fun activities into your school day.
Try some of these 19 activities and notice the difference you will see over a period of time, as students improve with following directions.
1. Crime Scene Chromatography Experiment
Science experiments are a super way to improve your learners’ ability to follow directions. Using science experiments encourages them to listen to or look closely at a set of instructions and then follow them in order to see a result. This chromatography is a cool choice, and all you’ll need are some markers, coffee filters, and water!
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2. Learn to Code
Further developing science skills and learning to code are beneficial for so many reasons. In addition to helping students learn computer science skills, they can also work on fine motor skills and improve following directions skills. Coding is ideal and appropriate for all grade levels.
Learn More: Teach Your Kids Code
3. Following Direction Logic Puzzle
This worksheet takes on the form of a riddle or secret code to be solved. For students who need a break from screen time, let them try to decipher the code by solving the riddles. The following directions worksheet is a good way to also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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4. Paper Folding Activity
Simple instructions will be easy to follow and form a unique craft! This activity uses multi-step directions to have students create a paper masterpiece. Students will need to pay attention to directions and details to be successful in this awesome activity.
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5. Boat Craft
This fun and challenging activity allows some creative freedom but requires multi-step directions as well. This activity is great for upper elementary teachers or middle school teachers to use with their students.
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6. Building From Scratch
Encouraging your children to build something with their hands is a fantastic way to improve their listening skills. Challenge them to listen carefully and follow your instructions as you have them build structures from Lego blocks or any other materials that you have on hand in your classroom.
Learn More: Hands On As We Grow
7. Coloring Worksheets
Giving the child directions for this printable activity is key. Lists of directions are included for students to read themselves or for the teacher to call out to them. Precise directions will help students know when to do each step in the process.
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8. Summer Olympics Following Directions Game
This adorable summer Olympics game is great for following directions. Perfectly themed activity sheets are designed for listening activities that focus on teaching students 1-step directions, 2-step sequential directions, and even 3-step sequential directions.
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9. Leaf Craft
This leaf craft is a perfect hands-on activity for teaching students the importance of following directions. As they listen and perform each task in each step, students’ following directions skills will improve with practice.
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10. Following Directions Map
These printable maps are simple to use but make for an effective educational resource. With several themes to choose from, you’ll task your kids with listening to the accompanying instructions to complete a set of tasks on their maps.
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11. Star Wars Directions Game
Fun games, like this Star Wars following directions game, are great for helping students practice how to properly follow directions. This interactive game allows students to work within groups and collaborate and interact with others.
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12. Glyphs
Glyphs are a fantastic resource for upper elementary and middle school students who need to practice following directions. Students will use white drawing paper to draw a picture, based on listening to directions and using what applies to them individually.
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13. Before and After Statements
These before and after statements are great for older kids. This is a way to let students interact in groups and follow directions. On slips of paper, you will write in events and use them to complete this activity.
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14. Listening Skills Holiday Sheet
Immerse your classroom in an air of festivity with these holiday-themed instruction sheets. You’ll read out each instruction one by one as you encourage your kiddos to complete each step in this multi-directional process.
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15. Can You Follow Directions Quiz Sheet
If you’re looking for an in-depth activity to assess your class’s direction-following skills, this exercise is for you! Simply print and hand out the quiz-type sheet to them before allowing them to answer each question on their own. It’s a great way to see if they’re able to follow targeted instructions and pinpoint any areas that may need work.
Learn More: The Worksheets
16. Following Directions: Directions Sheet
This directions sheet is a breakdown of 4-step directions. Each section requires students to look ahead to see what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. They are working to follow directions in each step.
Learn More: The Worksheets
17. Relay Races
Relay races get students up and moving. Teachers can customize this activity to get students to practice following directions in a nontraditional way. Students can follow directions and work with their teams to see who can win each challenge.
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18. Following Direction Worksheet
This following directions activity is good for working on following directions and literal directions. Students can cut and place items in places, dependent on prepositional directions. This is especially good for bilingual students.
Learn More: The Worksheets
19. Paper Airplanes
Constructing paper airplanes is fun and ideal for practicing following directions. Let students use a template and guide for directions or orally tell them what to do. Either way, they will get good practice and finish with a nice end result.
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