Following Directions: Get Moving with a Build-a-Direction Activity

Are you looking for a fun way to get your students engaged in a following directions activity? An activity that targets tuning ears in, basic concepts, and even auditory memory? Try creating a Build-a-Direction activity!

Here’s how to do it…

You will need:

• a set of verbs (movements the students can do) written out
  • e.g., run, walk, wiggle, penguin walk, walk sideways, crab walk, etc.
• a set of prepositions (includes direction concepts, spatial concepts) written out
  • e.g., around, over, beside, under, in front of, between, etc.
• a set of nouns written out (I like to make these theme-based)
  • e.g., duck, dog, horse, cow, sheep, pig, etc. (farm animals)
• a set of pictures matching the nouns – I like to make these large

Set up:

• Place the pictures around the room – usually I use the floor but you can also place them in other locations (based on the prepositions you’ve chosen).

Play:

• Pick a verb (e.g., run)
• Pick a preposition (e.g., around)
• Pick a noun (e.g., the strawberry)
• Get ready to listen (“stop and listen”)
• Read out the direction (e.g., “Run around the strawberry.”)
• Follow the direction (e.g., run around the strawberry)
• Check back – did you remember what to do? (e.g., Did you run around the strawberry?)

You can customize this activity for your students to practice specific targets. For example, if you want to work on the concepts in front and behind, just use those two prepositions. You can use a variety of verbs and nouns but limit the prepositions to the ones you want to focus on. You could set the pictures up so there is a clear “in front” and a clear “behind” (e.g., tape them to chairs).

My students love activities that get them moving! Here are some examples of Build-a-Directions games I’ve created:

• Brown Bear animal theme
• Hungry Caterpillar food theme
• Christmas theme
• Transportation theme

Let me know if you try this activity!