Introduction

Following directions is a vital skill for students to develop, especially those in special education settings. It not only promotes a positive learning environment but also helps students to become responsible and independent learners. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles can be incorporated into the teaching process to help students better understand the importance of following directions and develop strategies to improve this skill. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to support educators in teaching students how to follow directions effectively.

No-Prep Activity: The Listening Game

The Listening Game is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It helps students practice listening and following directions in a fun and engaging way. To play the game, follow these steps:

1. Have students sit in a circle or at their desks.
2. Explain that you will be giving a series of directions, and they must follow each one as quickly and accurately as possible.
3. Begin by giving simple directions, such as “touch your nose” or “clap your hands.”
4. Gradually increase the complexity of the directions, incorporating multiple steps or actions that require students to listen carefully and remember the sequence.
5. Offer praise and encouragement for students who follow directions well, and gently remind those who need additional support to listen carefully and try again.

This activity can be adapted to suit the needs and abilities of your students and can be played regularly to reinforce the skill of following directions.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Listening Game or another activity focused on following directions, engage your students in a discussion to further explore the topic. Use these questions to stimulate conversation:

1. Why is it important to follow directions in school and other settings?
2. What strategies can you use to help you remember and follow directions more effectively?
3. How does following directions contribute to a positive learning environment?
4. How do you feel when you successfully follow directions? How do you feel when you struggle with this skill?
5. Can you think of a time when following directions helped you in a real-life situation? Share your experience with the class.

Related Skills

Developing the ability to follow directions is closely related to several other important skills for students in special education. Some of these skills include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately.
• Self-regulation: Managing one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.
• Problem-solving: Identifying and working through challenges in a systematic and logical manner.
• Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve a common goal or complete a task.

By incorporating SEL principles into your teaching, you can help students build a strong foundation in these related skills, further enhancing their overall development and success in the classroom.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of teaching students in special education to follow directions and have some strategies to support their development in this area, it’s time to take the next step. To access free samples of materials designed to help students improve their following directions skills and others, visit Everyday Speech Sample Materials. These resources can further enhance your teaching and provide valuable support for your students as they continue to grow and develop in their social-emotional learning journey.