Teach Your Students to Give & Follow Directions!

This is one of my favorite activities for beginning the school year! However, it can be used at any time to reinforce the importance of giving clear, precise instructions and following them carefully.

Here's how it works:
You will need some geometrical diagrams, paper, and pencils. You can make your own diagrams or purchase the activity here.  My version includes 20 diagram cards to allow you to tailor the activity or use it multiple times throughout the year.

Idea #1

•  Pair students up and place a few diagrams in an envelope or lay them face down between each pair of students.  It is very important that they do not sneak a look at the diagrams!

•  One student will randomly choose a card, look at it while hiding the diagram from his/her partner, then give their partner instructions as he/she attempts to draw the figure.  This should only take a few minutes. 

•  When finished, the partners compare the resulting drawing to the original diagram.  Encourage them to discuss what was clear and unclear about the instructions they were given. 

•  Repeat the process with the students reversing roles.

Idea #2

•  Select a diagram.  You, the teacher, give directions to the class for drawing the figure, then check the results.

Idea #3

•  Choose a diagram card and have students take turns giving instructions to the class.

This activity is easily adaptable to many grade levels.  Encourage older students to use appropriate geometry terms as they describe the figures.  Younger students may use everyday language.

I'd love to hear how you use this in your class!