Kids need to learn how to follow directions just like they learn to do anything else–by practicing! A fun way to practice following directions is by turning it into a game or activity. We decided to turn relay races into an indoor following directions activity!
Following Directions Activity
To set up the activity I gathered a bunch of random items from the house and divided the kids into two lines. They had to walk across the room and back and do three tasks I gave them. An example would be put on a hat, crawl across the room, and give me a high five.
I told them all three things they had to do at once and they had to pay close attention to be able to follow the directions and finish the race. I modeled how to repeat the directions to myself and they practiced doing that while we played. Another listening and following directions strategy is visualizing the directions before you begin.
Kids need to be able to remember and follow oral directions in school. Teachers expect that kids can handle remembering and executing multi-step directions and in the primary grades much of the testing is done orally. This can be tough for kids who are not natural auditory learners. Practicing in a fun way can make kids more confident and successful.
The other Move and Learn co-hosts were busy putting together Move and Learn Activities for kids this week too, make sure to check them out!
Other Ways to Move & Learn this week:
- Alphabet Turkey Race Game from Toddler Approved
- Ring Toss Name Recognition Activity from Hands On: As We Grow
- Sight Word Run from The Pleasantest Thing
- Check out all our Move & Learn activities
- Lots of ideas on our Pinterest board!