Following Instructions

This activity is fun for a group event, but children find it hard to wait for turns. Restless children can be drawn in by including them as part of another child's tasks, i.e., procedures, step 4.

Objectives

Children4-5 years will learn to carry out in order a command containing 3 unrelated parts Lang. IIB
Children 3-4 years will be able to show understanding of in/out, over/under, in front of/in back of, etc., concretely with own body Cog. IIID
and they will be able to discriminate prepositions Lang. IA
Children 2 ½ -3 years will be able to carry out 2 simple commands given at once Lang. IA

 

Materials

Small table; several chairs; puppet; large and small box; ball; hat; various other objects.

Procedures

1. Have children seated in a large circle. Display all the articles in the middle of the circle.

2. Begin by having the puppet give the older child a three-part command (silly directions work well). "Stevie, put on the hat, stand on top of the box, then sit on your hat."

3. Adjust the length and complexity of the command to the ability of the child, using only one or two instructions for younger children. As the children learn the game, give more complicated instructions like "Sit on the chair, put the ball on your lap, and then get under the big box". Encourage the audience to applaud each child's effort.

4. Create a chain of activities which involve other children, e.g., "Alan, give the hat to Jenny, stand on the table and wave to George. Jenny, put the hat in the box and throw the ball to Betsy."

5. Have the children give each other instructions.