Following directions is a crucial skill for young learners, as it helps them develop self-regulation, focus, and the ability to adapt to classroom routines. This blog post will explore the importance of following directions in a PreK setting, provide a no-prep activity for educators, and suggest discussion questions to help students better understand the concept.
Introduction
Children in PreK classrooms are at a crucial stage in their development, learning to navigate social situations and adapt to new routines. One essential skill for success in the classroom is following directions. By teaching students to listen closely and follow directions the first time they are given, educators can help them develop self-regulation, focus, and adaptability. In this blog post, we will discuss an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity that can help educators teach students the importance of following directions and provide discussion questions to further engage students in the learning process.
No-Prep Activity: Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that requires no preparation or materials, making it an ideal activity for busy educators. The game helps students practice listening and following directions while having fun. Here’s how to play:
- The educator acts as “Simon” and gives various commands to the students, such as “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says clap your hands.”
- Students must only follow the directions if they are preceded by “Simon says.”
- If a student follows a direction without “Simon says,” they are out of the game.
- Continue playing until only one student remains, or for a predetermined amount of time.
This activity not only helps students practice following directions but also encourages them to pay close attention to what is being said.
Discussion Questions
After playing Simon Says, consider engaging students in a discussion about the importance of following directions. Here are some questions to help facilitate the conversation:
- Why is it important to follow directions in the classroom?
- How do you feel when you successfully follow directions?
- What strategies can you use to help you listen more closely to directions?
- Can you think of a time when you didn’t follow directions? What happened?
- How can we help each other follow directions in the classroom?
Related Skills
Following directions is just one of many skills that contribute to a successful PreK experience. Other related skills that can help students thrive in the classroom include:
- Active listening
- Self-regulation
- Focus and attention
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Adapting to new routines
Next Steps
Teaching students to follow directions is an essential component of their social-emotional development. To further support your students’ growth in this area, consider signing up for free samples of skill-building materials from Everyday Speech. These resources can help you provide engaging and effective lessons that promote the development of essential skills for success in the classroom and beyond.
