Lesson Plan
Fun with Following Directions
Students will practice following directions through engaging and interactive activities, enhancing their listening skills and ability to understand and act on verbal instructions.
Improving listening skills is crucial for effective communication and learning. This lesson supports this by using fun games that make direction-following both challenging and enjoyable.
Audience
1st Grade Class
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive activities with clear sequencing.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review all game/activity materials, including the Fun with Following Directions lesson plan.
- Arrange the classroom or outdoor space for the Direction Obstacle Course to ensure safety and ample space.
- Prepare clear instructions for the Follow the Leader and Listening Circle activities.
- Ensure all materials and any needed props are in place before starting the session.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of following directions and listening closely.
- Engage students with simple commands (e.g., clapping hands, stomping feet) to warm up and capture attention.
Step 2
Main Activity - Game Rotation
15 minutes
- Start with the Direction Obstacle Course where students follow verbal directions to navigate through the course.
- Transition to Follow the Leader where each student takes turns being the leader while following classmates' actions.
- Monitor student engagement and provide positive reinforcement.
Step 3
Cool-Down - Listening Circle
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle for the Listening Circle activity.
- Ask each student to share one thing they learned about the importance of following directions.
- Summarize key takeaways and acknowledge individual efforts.
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Game
Direction Obstacle Course
Overview
In this engaging game, students will navigate through an obstacle course by carefully listening to and following verbal directions. The course is set up with various safe obstacles that require the students to pause, turn, hop, or step in a specific direction as instructed.
Game Structure
- Objective: Enhance listening skills and the ability to follow directions in a fun, interactive setting.
- Audience: 1st Grade Class
- Time: Approximately 15 minutes during the Main Activity of the lesson
Guidelines
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Setup:
- Arrange a safe and open area with clearly marked obstacle stations.
- Ensure each obstacle is child-friendly and obstacles (like cones, mats, or hoops) are placed in a sequence that forms a course.
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Instructions:
- Students will be grouped (or work individually) and line up to start the course.
- The teacher (or selected student leader) will give clear verbal directions such as "hop on one foot," "turn right," or "duck under the string."
- Students must listen carefully and follow the exact directions to move through each obstacle.
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Game Rotation:
- Once a student or team completes the course, they regroup and restart as often as time allows.
- Encourage positive reinforcement and cheer each other on, creating an energetic classroom atmosphere.
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Safety Reminder:
- Remind students to watch their step and maintain space between each other while moving through the course.
Follow-Up Points
- Discussion: After completing the course, ask students what parts were most fun and which directions were the easiest or hardest to follow.
- Variation: For advanced levels, mix up the order of obstacles or include an extra instruction twist to challenge active listening skills further.
Student Work Space
(Students can draw or write about their experience after they complete the course.)
Activity
Follow the Leader
Overview
In this lively activity, students will take turns being the leader while the rest of the class follows along with the leader's actions. This exercise enhances their listening skills, helps them understand the value of following directions, and promotes physical activity.
Activity Structure
- Objective: Reinforce attention to detail and the ability to follow directions through a fun, interactive movement activity.
- Audience: 1st Grade Class
- Time: Approximately 10 minutes (can be adjusted based on class size and engagement)
Guidelines
-
Setup:
- Clear an open space where the entire class can form a line or a circle.
- Explain the rules: when a student is the leader, they perform a series of actions (clapping, jumping, twisting, etc.), and all other students must follow exactly.
- Ensure that safety is a priority by encouraging slow, manageable movements that every student can safely mimic.
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Instructions:
- Choose a student to be the leader (this can be done by volunteer, random selection, or rotation).
- The leader begins by performing an action sequence. For example, the leader might perform two claps, a jump, and then a spin.
- All other students must watch carefully and mimic the leader's actions as closely as possible.
- After one round or a designated time period, select a new leader and repeat the process.
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Engagement:
- Encourage the leader to be creative with their actions to keep their classmates engaged and focused.
- Praise all students for their effort and accuracy in following the actions.
- If mistakes are made, gently remind students to listen and observe carefully.
Follow-Up Points
- Discussion: Ask the students how it felt to be the leader and the follower. What challenges did they experience? What was fun about copying their friend?
- Variations: To vary the challenge, introduce a theme for the actions (e.g., animal movements, dance moves, or weather actions) or incorporate a mirror image activity where students reflect the leader’s motions.
Student Work Space
(Students can draw a picture of their favorite moment during the activity or write about what they learned from being both a leader and a follower.)
Cool Down
Listening Circle
Overview
The Listening Circle is a reflective cool-down activity designed to provide students with a safe space to share what they learned about following directions. By discussing their experiences, students will consolidate their understanding of the lesson while practicing verbal expression in a supportive environment.
Activity Structure
- Objective: Encourage students to reflect on the importance of following directions and consolidate their learning by sharing their experiences.
- Audience: 1st Grade Class
- Time: 5 minutes
Guidelines
-
Setup:
- Gather the students in a small circle, either seated on the floor or in chairs.
- Ensure a quiet environment where each student feels comfortable speaking.
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Instructions:
- Ask each student to take a turn sharing one thing they learned about the importance of following directions during the lesson.
- Encourage students to listen attentively as their peers speak.
- Allow students to express how the activities made them feel and what they enjoyed the most.
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Teacher's Role:
- Facilitate the conversation by asking gentle probing questions if a student is unsure of what to say.
- Validate each student's contribution and summarize the key takeaways at the end of the circle.
Follow-Up Points
- Praise students for their participation and reinforce the idea that listening is an important skill for success in school and beyond.
- Use the discussion as an opportunity to revisit any points of confusion and celebrate the progress made during the session.
Student Work Space
(Students can draw or write about their favorite moment or the main lesson they learned.)