Speaking and Listening: Following Directions and Sharing Ideas
Speaking and Listening: Following Directions and Sharing Ideas Objective: Students will practice listening carefully to simple directions and respond by sharing their ideas clearly with others.
Learning Objectives
- Understand and follow simple oral directions.
- Respond to questions by speaking in complete sentences.
- Express ideas clearly when sharing with a group.
Materials Needed
- Picture cards with simple images (animals, objects, actions)
- Storybook with clear, simple sentences
- Paper and crayons
Key Vocabulary
- Listen
- To pay attention carefully to sounds or words.
- Speak
- To say words so others can hear and understand.
- Direction
- Instructions that tell you what to do.
Detailed Activities
Listening and Following Directions Game
- Show a picture card to the student and give a simple direction related to it (e.g., ‘Point to the cat’).
- Ask the student to follow the direction carefully.
- Repeat with different cards, gradually increasing the complexity of directions.
- Praise the student for correctly following the directions.
Story Time and Sharing
- Read the chosen storybook aloud, pausing to ask simple questions about the story.
- Encourage the student to answer in complete sentences (e.g., ‘What did the dog do?’).
- After reading, ask the student to share their favorite part of the story.
- Help the student use clear sentences to explain their ideas.
Drawing and Describing
- Give the student paper and crayons and ask them to draw something from the story or their favorite animal.
- Ask the student to describe their drawing using simple sentences.
- Encourage the student to speak clearly and listen while you ask questions about their drawing.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to listen carefully and speak clearly by practicing these activities regularly.
- Be patient and give positive feedback to build their confidence in speaking.
- Use simple language and repeat directions if needed to help your child understand.
Assessment Questions
- Can your child follow a simple direction like ‘Point to the dog’?
- Does your child answer questions in complete sentences?
- Can your child share an idea or describe a picture clearly?
Extension Ideas
- Create a ‘show and tell’ activity where your child brings a favorite toy and talks about it.
- Practice listening and speaking during daily routines, such as giving directions for getting dressed or setting the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is normal for young children to need several repetitions. Repeat the directions calmly and encourage them gently.
Model clear speech yourself, speak slowly, and encourage your child to take their time when talking.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may think they need to speak loudly to be heard; encourage a normal speaking voice.
- Some children may have difficulty understanding multi-step directions; break instructions into smaller parts.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Give one-step directions and use visuals to support understanding.
- Use repetition and practice frequently to build listening skills.
For Advanced Students:
- Challenge the child to follow two-step directions.
- Encourage asking questions and elaborating on answers during discussions.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend extra time on the listening and following directions activity if needed.
- Adjust the length of the story and discussion based on the child’s attention span.
Standards
- K.SL.1a — Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking).
Printable Worksheet
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