A preschooler’s ability to receive, understand, and follow directions can vary from child to child. By giving children time to process directions, and by offering plenty of positive reinforcement, they will begin to be able to comprehend and complete specific tasks as they develop and grow. Proposing a few simple options or providing several encouraging suggestions for preschoolers to choose from, early learners will start to respond positively when given instructions.
3 Activities to Teach Following Directions
Teach preschoolers how to follow directions through fun and engaging games and activities. By incorporating play with lessons, children are more likely to enjoy the learning processes of listening to instructions, recognizing given assignments, and completing the tasks. Here are three educational games that will provide preschoolers with exciting opportunities to pay attention and follow directions.
Simon Says
This is a classic listening game that is fun for all ages.
How to Play:
Designate someone to be Simon. Simon then gives a directive by saying, “Simon says…” followed by a given task. An example of an instruction would sound like, “Simon says…pat your head.” Everyone playing would then do what Simon says. If Simon gives a direction without saying “Simon says…” first, and players complete the action, those players are out.
Make the game simple for preschoolers by giving one instruction at a time. Once they seem to get the hang of it, challenge them by giving them a two-part direction, such as “…jump two times”. If the game becomes too difficult, go back to a one-part directive. Keep it fun and engaging.
Modifications:
Change the name from Simon to a more appealing character that preschoolers may be interested in. Maybe incorporate holiday icons like Santa for a game of Santa Says, or a movie character such as a Minion for Minion Says. The more relatable the game is to children, the more likely they’ll enjoy playing.
Red Light, Green Light
This is an active game that focuses on following directions.
How to Play:
Designate someone to be the traffic cop. All other players are lined up at a starting point. The traffic cop then says either red light or green light. When green light is stated, everyone heads toward the finish line. When red light is called, everyone must immediately stop. The round finishes when all have crossed the finish line and then a new game can begin.
Modifications:
While this game focuses on listening to follow directions, incorporating visual cues will add another level of learning. Color a red circle and green circle to hold up as that color light is called for. In addition, using only the visual cues without speaking could be a fun alternative as well.
Another way to enhance the game is by incorporating a yellow light. When yellow light is called, children will have to slow down or even crawl to get to the finish line.
Hokey Pokey
This is a fun interactive dance with a directive song.
How to play:
Get everyone in a circle and start singing or play the Hokey Pokey song. Put the hands, feet, head, backside, and whole body in and out of the circle with the Hokey Pokey. Preschoolers will have a blast while listening and following directions to shake all around.
Learn more about The Importance of Play In Child Development.