Teach Your Preschool Child to Follow Directions with 3 Games
Being able to follow directions takes practice. It is not something children are able to do inherently. Get your child ready for reading, as well as many other learning and social activities, by completing these activities which focus on following directions.
Obstacle Course. Use chairs, cushions, pillows, blankets, jump ropes, etc. to create an obstacle course in your living room. Give your child directions that make him think about where and how he has to move, such as, “Slide under the rope” and “Hop behind the chair.” Keep the directions the same each time through the course or mix it up for a new challenge over and over again.
Wrap a Present. The next time your child is giving a gift to someone, get her involved in the process. Try to get an extra box about the same size and shape as the one the gift is in so you can model while giving directions. Help as little as possible, allowing your child to make all of the folds and put on the tape. If you need to, model several times. It’s okay if it doesn’t look perfect. Your child will be proud of her accomplishment!
Mother May I? This is an “oldie but goodie”. Have your child stand a good distance away from you as you face each other. Begin by modeling how to ask directions that allow you to get closer to your child, the “Mother”. Try examples such as “Mother may I hop 3 times?” and “Mother may I take 5 baby steps?” After each question, the “Mother” answers, “Yes you may” or “No you may not.” Once you are able to reach out and touch your child, the game is over and you switch positions. You now play the role of “Mother” and your child is the “child”. (This game can also be played in groups, and the person that reaches the “Mother” first gets to be the next “Mother”.)