Fostering strong school behavior skills in elementary students is essential for creating a positive, productive classroom environment. Following directions is one foundational skill that supports a wide range of academic and social outcomes.

The Following Directions Classroom Poster from Everyday Speech serves as a powerful visual and teaching aid. This no-prep tool simplifies lesson planning and enhances student understanding of what it means to follow directions.

Following Directions for Students

Following directions is the process of hearing, understanding, remembering, and carrying out oral or written instructions given by adults or peers. In the elementary setting, teachers, speech-language pathologists, counselors, and other staff often expect students to comply with verbal instructions to complete classwork, participate in activities, and behave safely. Effective direction-following requires students to attend, process information, sequence steps, and monitor their actions.

Common examples of following directions in elementary school include:

• Putting away materials when prompted
• Lining up quietly after recess
• Following multi-step instructions during lessons
• Participating in classroom routines (such as morning meetings or end-of-day procedures)

This skill not only supports academic progress, but is closely linked to broader skills such as listening, attention, executive functioning, and social interaction.

Why Teach Students to Follow Directions?

Teaching and reinforcing the ability to follow directions brings a host of benefits for students, educators, and the classroom environment. Key reasons to target this skill include:

• Prevents misunderstandings and confusion
• Increases instructional efficiency and time on task
• Fosters safety and supports crisis procedures
• Promotes respectful peer and adult interactions
• Lays a foundation for more complex skills like problem solving and critical thinking
• Reduces the frequency of repeated instructions and reminders needed from staff
• Boosts student confidence and independence
• Supports the development of organizational skills

Students who reliably follow directions are more likely to engage in classroom activities, develop positive relationships with adults and peers, and experience academic success.

Lesson Plan: Using Following Directions Classroom Poster

The Following Directions Classroom Poster (available at this link) is a visually engaging, stepwise resource for explicitly teaching this vital skill. The poster can be used as an instructional anchor during whole-class or small group lessons and as a reference throughout the school day.

Step 1: Preparation and Display

Download and print the poster from Everyday Speech. Laminate it for durability if possible. Display the poster in a prominent spot that is easily visible to all students, such as near the board or gathering area.

Before introducing the poster, consider how it aligns with current classroom routines and behavioral expectations. Plan when and how it will be referenced throughout the day.

Step 2: Introduce the Poster and Purpose

Gather the students and introduce the poster by drawing attention to its title and visual elements. Share with students that following directions is an important skill for success in all areas of school—academics, group activities, and social moments.

Review the key steps included on the poster, which typically include:

1. Look at the person speaking
2. Listen to the words
3. Ask questions if unsure
4. Repeat the directions if needed
5. Follow the directions carefully

Invite students to identify times and places at school where these steps might be useful.

Step 3: Model Each Step Explicitly

Demonstrating each step is important for younger learners and students with emerging language or attention skills. Provide a concrete example for each step, such as:

• Making strong eye contact and turning the body toward the speaker
• Demonstrating active listening by nodding and remaining quiet
• Asking clarifying questions when something is unclear, such as “Can you say that again?” or “What comes after the first step?”
• Repeating the directions out loud or silently
• Carrying out each step in sequence

After each demonstration, invite students to share what they noticed or what step was shown.

Step 4: Guided Practice

Present simple, one- or two-step directions for the whole class to follow together. For example, “Please push in your chair and line up at the door.” Use the poster to prompt each step, asking questions like, “What should we do first?” or “Who remembers what to do if you’re not sure about the direction?”

For more individualized practice, assign roles. One student gives a direction while another student demonstrates following it, with others providing feedback about which steps were followed.

Vary the complexity of directions to match student abilities. For students needing extra support, stick with very brief, concrete instructions. Gradually introduce more complex or multi-step directions as students show readiness.

Step 5: Check for Understanding and Reinforcement

Ask students to recall and recite the steps from the poster without looking, or to sequence them using sentence strips. Provide corrective feedback as needed and reinforce correct use of the steps.

Reinforcement ideas:

• Praise specific behaviors, such as “I noticed you looked at me and listened carefully.”
• Award points, stickers, or class privileges when the group follows directions the first time using all steps
• Initiate a group challenge: track how often the class uses the poster steps throughout the day

Encourage students to refer to the poster independently whenever new instructions are given.

Supporting Following Directions After the Activity

Continued reinforcement throughout the school day ensures skill carryover and consistency. Here are several strategies for supporting students as they develop strong direction-following habits:

• Remind students to reference the poster at transitional times, such as arrival, lunch, or dismissal
• Cue students discreetly (with a point or gesture to the poster) before giving instructions
• Integrate poster language into classroom routines. For example, say: “Remember to look, listen, and ask questions if unsure.”
• Encourage students to self-monitor and reflect: “Which step did you use to help you follow my direction?”
• Involve families by sending a photo of the poster home or providing a short summary of the skill to practice during home routines
• Provide additional practice opportunities through role play, games, or group challenges
• Use the poster as a foundation for developing related skills, such as attending to details or carrying out multi-step tasks

Consistency is the key. When all adults reference the poster regularly and provide similar expectations, students internalize the process and build confidence.

Wrapping Up: Building Confident Direction-Followers

Effective direction-following is a core school behavior that supports both learning and interpersonal success. The Following Directions Classroom Poster is a user-friendly resource that frames this skill in a clear and accessible way for elementary students. By explicitly teaching, modeling, and reinforcing each step, students not only meet classroom expectations but also develop the lifelong habit of attentive, active listening and careful action.

Incorporate the poster during lessons, transitions, and daily routines, and encourage staff members, parents, and students to use the visual language it provides. By making the steps highly visible and practicing them routinely, students become more confident, which translates into smoother classroom management and a more positive school culture.

For those seeking a simple and effective way to boost classroom behaviors, the Following Directions Classroom Poster is an ideal tool to print, display, and use every day. Download your copy here and start building a strong foundation for direction-following skills in your students.