How many of you remember playing Simon Says when you were young? Or using your imagination in pretend play activities? Both of these activities have deeper developmental benefits for children than most realize. Following Directions & Pretend Play focus on these two important developmental tasks and how they can impact success in educational settings. Read on to learn more!

Set

• Bell Ringer: How good are you at following directions? Let’s find out!
• Choose one of the following activities to “test” their listening skills: #1: Play Simon Says using this Simon Says–A Listening Activity, free from TPT. or #2: Following Directions–cut apart the actions, keeping the first action and passing the rest to students to complete once you start the activity.
• Discuss how well they did or did not follow directions.
• Ask students when babies and toddlers begin to understand directions? Tell them they are about to find out.

Materials

• iPads or Laptops
• Projector & Screen
• Head to Toe Book (affiliate link) optional
• Paper & Markers

Activities

• When Do Babies Understand Directions and Commands? Assign students the worksheet titled, “Toddlers: Understanding Directions” and have them complete the prompts using the provided web resource: “When Do Babies Understand Directions and Commands?“
• Once students have completed the assignment and understand more about when little ones understand directions, read or view a book that shows how little ones can listen and follow along. A great book to demonstrate this is “Head to Toe” by Eric Carle. You can either read it aloud if you have the book or you can have your students view it using this YouTube video titled From Head to Toe a Fun Read Aloud.
• Explain to students that they will be writing and creating their own following directions mini-book. Go over the guide sheet so students understand what they are to do.
• Begin by showing them an example via YouTube titled, “Pretend Play: St. Patrick Day Adventure (Simple 1 Step Instructions)“. Now, give students time to brainstorm their own ideas and create a rough draft of their booklet.
• Demonstrate how to create a mini-booklet using regular copy paper (see attachments) and then have students conference with you before they add their illustrations and color to the final project. The conference is to ensure that they are on the right track and their ideas are developmentally appropriate for young children.
• Once you’ve signed off on their ideas, then it’s time for students to write and illustrate their mini-books.
• When students are finished with their mini-books, have them read them to the class and have the audience perform the activities. You could have the class offer feedback or select their favorite one if desired.
• If you have access to a preschool or kindergarten class, this would be a great activity for your students to share with the littles.

Attachments

• Following Directions Intro Activity (PDF)
• Toddlers: Understanding Directions (PDF)
• Pretend Play Mini-Book Project & Rubric (PDF)
• Booklet Foldable Instructions

Photo by Monstera Production