Introduction

In a classroom environment, it’s crucial for students to learn how to follow directions. This skill not only improves classroom efficiency but also boosts their social-emotional learning. Teaching students to listen and follow directions the first time they are given can help develop a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and respect for authority figures. This blog post will outline a no-prep activity that educators can use to teach students how to follow directions, along with discussion questions and related skills.

No-Prep Activity

The “Simon Says” game is a classic no-prep activity that can be adapted to teach students to follow directions. This game requires no preparation or materials and can be played with any size group of students. Follow these simple steps to play:

1. The teacher takes on the role of “Simon” and stands in front of the class.
2. The teacher gives commands to the students, starting each command with the phrase “Simon says.”
3. Students must follow the command only if it begins with “Simon says.” If the command does not start with “Simon says,” students should not follow it.
4. Students who follow a command without “Simon says” are out of the game.
5. The game continues until only one student remains, or the teacher decides to end the game.

This activity helps students practice listening carefully to directions and following them accurately. It also encourages self-control and self-awareness, as students need to pay attention to the commands and decide if they should follow them or not.

Discussion Questions

After playing the “Simon Says” game, engage your students in a discussion to deepen their understanding of the importance of following directions. Here are some questions to get the conversation started:

1. Why is it important to listen carefully to directions in the classroom?
2. How does following directions help us become better learners and classmates?
3. What are some strategies you can use to make sure you’re following directions the first time they are given?
4. How do you feel when someone doesn’t follow directions in the classroom? How does it affect the class?
5. Can you think of a time when you didn’t follow directions, and it had negative consequences? What did you learn from that experience?

Related Skills

Teaching students to follow directions is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that can benefit students in the classroom and beyond include:

• Active listening
• Self-discipline
• Respect for authority figures
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Problem-solving

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the importance of teaching students to follow directions and have a no-prep activity to use in your classroom, consider exploring other resources to support social-emotional learning. Sign up for free samples of skill-building activities and materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for your students.