How to Follow Directions at School

School-Related Activities

Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School

Learning Objectives

Students will identify and demonstrate strategies for listening to and remembering directions.
Students will recognize how following directions contributes to a safe and productive classroom.
Students will use polite phrases to request clarification when needed.
Students will model respectful body language while listening to instructions.
Students will practice following single-step and multi-step directions in structured activities.

Aligned Common Core Standards

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2 – Ask and answer questions about information presented orally
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6 – Use words and phrases acquired through conversations

Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2 – Ask and answer questions about spoken and visual information
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.6 – Use acquired vocabulary to describe actions and routines

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 – Engage in conversations with peers and adults
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.2 – Recount or describe key ideas from multimedia or spoken lessons
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.6 – Use vocabulary for classroom routines in discussions

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2 – Determine the main idea and supporting details from spoken information
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.6 – Use precise vocabulary to describe classroom participation

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Participate in group discussions respectfully
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.2 – Paraphrase key information from multimedia or oral presentations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.6 – Use academic and behavioral vocabulary to express understanding

Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Participate in structured discussions on classroom-related topics
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.2 – Summarize information from spoken or media content
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.6 – Use relevant vocabulary when discussing participation and attention

Grade 6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 – Engage effectively in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 – Interpret and evaluate spoken information for key messages
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.6 – Use vocabulary to communicate ideas about responsibility and focus

Grade 7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions with appropriate detail
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 – Analyze key points and tone in spoken material about classroom participation
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.6 – Use precise vocabulary to discuss responsibility, attention, and cooperation

Grade 8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 – Initiate and participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2 – Evaluate purpose and clarity in messages about participation and focus
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.6 – Use academic and social vocabulary to express understanding of listening and participation

SMART Goal Ideas Bank

The student will follow single-step directions in 4 of 5 opportunities with 80% accuracy by [date].
The student will follow multi-step directions in 4 of 5 opportunities with 80% accuracy by [date].
The student will use polite phrases to request clarification of directions in 4 of 5 structured opportunities by [date].
The student will demonstrate attentive listening behaviors (e.g., eye contact, calm body, facing speaker) in 80% of observed opportunities by [date].
The student will use visualizing or repetition strategies to remember directions in 4 of 5 trials by [date].