Can You Follow Directions Lesson Plan Can You Follow Directions?
Lesson Plan • Tier 3 Intervention
30 Minutes • 2nd Grade
Learning Objective
The student will be able to follow two-step verbal directions accurately and independently by identifying sequence keywords and maintaining auditory focus.
Why It Matters
"Following directions is essential for school success, home tasks, and safety. This skill builds independence and reduces frustration."
Preparation & Materials
Materials Needed
Small manipulatives (blocks, counting bears)
Picture cards (animals, objects, shapes)
Whiteboard or large paper & markers
Printed Worksheet: Direction Detective Sheet
Teacher To-Do (10 min)
Review the Master Two-Step Directions Script . Prepare the Two-Step Triumphs Slide Deck . Print all handouts and gather the physical manipulatives (blocks/cards) so they are easily accessible during the lesson.
Instructional Steps
5m
Warm-Up: Direction Detective
Use the Direction Detective Warm-Up . Focus on simple one-step directions to build confidence and "tune in" the student's ears.
5m
Introduction to Two-Step Directions
Present the Two-Step Triumphs Slide Deck . Use the Master Two-Step Directions Script to explain keywords like "first," "then," and "and."
10m
Guided Practice: Action Sequence Challenge
Facilitate the Action Sequence Challenge . Give directions using blocks and picture cards. Model breaking steps down if the student pauses.
5m
Independent Practice: Detective Sheet
Student completes the Direction Detective Worksheet . Read directions aloud if needed. Celebrate every "mission accomplished."
3m
Game: Simon Says Two-Step
Reinforce skills with a fast-paced game of Simon Says using two-step commands. Keep it high-energy and fun.
2m
Cool Down & Reflection
Complete the My Direction Progress sheet. Allow the student to self-assess their "detective skills."
Direction Detective Warm Up Direction Detective
Warm-Up Activity: Mission Preparation
Warm-Up Objective
To activate listening skills and introduce the concept of following directions by starting with simple, one-step tasks.
Teacher Instructions
1
Tell the student: "To be a great Detective, you need super listening ears! Let's start with some simple training."
2
Give the one-step directions from the list below, one at a time.
3
Praise successful completion immediately (e.g., "Excellent focus!" or "Mission accomplished!").
4
If the student misses a direction, gently repeat it and wait for them to finish before moving on.
Training Mission: One-Step Steps
"Touch your nose."
"Give me a big smile."
"Pick up your pencil."
"Open your book."
"Stand up next to your chair."
"Tug on your right ear."
Next Step: Once the student has mastered these single steps, explain that detectives often have to remember TWO things at once.
Master Two Step Directions Script Master Two-Step Directions
Instructional Script for Teachers
Part 1
Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)
Say: "Good morning/afternoon, [Student's Name] ! Today we're going to be super Direction Detectives . You know how sometimes your teacher or your parents ask you to do two things at once? Like, 'First, put away your book, and then get out your pencil'? That's a two-step direction ! It's like a mini-adventure with two parts."
Say: "We're going to practice listening carefully and remembering both parts so you can be a pro at following directions. This will help you a lot in class and even when you're playing games! Are you ready to be a direction detective?"
Part 2
Direct Instruction (5 minutes)
Slide 1-2: Two-Step Triumphs
Say: "Let's look at our first slide. See the title: 'Two-Step Triumphs!' That means we're going to conquer two-step directions! What do you notice on this slide? It says, 'First... then...' Two-step directions always have two parts. It's like a small puzzle. Think about when you get ready for school. Maybe your mom says, 'First, brush your teeth, and then put on your shoes.' Those are two steps!"
Slide 3: Keywords
Say: "Here are some important words that help us know it's a two-step direction: 'first,' 'then,' and 'and.' When you hear these words, your brain should say, 'Aha! Two things to remember!' Let's try one together. I'll say it, and you listen very carefully: 'First, clap your hands, then stomp your feet.' Go ahead!"
Teacher Note: Praise attempt, guide if needed. Ensure they complete both actions in order.
Part 3
Guided & Independent Practice (15 minutes)
Say: "Excellent job! Now, let's play a game called Action Sequence Challenge . I have some blocks and picture cards here. I'm going to give you two-step directions using these, and you'll show me you can do both parts."
Say: "Ready? Here's the first one: 'First, pick up the red block, and then put it next to the animal card.'"
Teacher Prompt (if struggling): "What's the first thing I asked you to do? Great! Now, what's the second thing?"
Say: "You're such a great direction detective that I have a special mission for you! It's our Direction Detective Sheet . On this sheet, there are some pictures and some directions. Your job is to read or listen to the two-step directions and then draw what they say. I'll read the first one for you: 'First, draw a circle, then draw a square inside it.' Go ahead and try that one."
Part 4
Game & Wrap Up (5 minutes)
Two Step Triumphs Slides Mission: Possible
Two-Step Triumphs!
Conquering Two-Step Directions Like a Pro!
What Are Two-Step Directions?
It's like doing two things in just one instruction!
Example
"First, stand up, then turn around."
1
Stand Up
2
Turn Around
Look for Keywords!
First... Then
Tells you the order of what to do.
And
Connects two different actions together.
"These words tell your brain to get ready for TWO actions!"
Let's Practice!
Time to put our listening skills to the test! We're going to use our blocks and picture cards.
1
Listen for the Keywords
2
Do Action #1
3
Do Action #2
Get Your Materials Ready!
Show What You Know!
Now it's your turn to be the lead Direction Detective!
Listen Carefully
Draw the Mission
You Did It!
Great job today, Direction Detective! You mastered two-step directions.
Keep using those super listening ears!
Action Sequence Challenge Activity Action Sequence Challenge
Guided Practice Activity
Objective
To practice following two-step verbal directions using physical manipulatives (blocks) and visual aids (picture cards) in a structured, supported environment.
Materials
Colorful blocks or counting bears
Animal/Shape picture cards
Instructional Script
Activity Protocol
1. Setup:
Place a variety of manipulatives and picture cards on the table in front of the student.
2. Command:
Give a clear, two-step verbal direction using the "First... then..." or "...and..." structure.
3. Support:
If they struggle, ask: "What was the first part?" Provide visual cues (holding up 2 fingers) if needed.
Detective Log & Direction Bank
Mission Direction Status "First, pick up the red block, and then put it next to the cat card." Success:
|
| "First, show me the square card, then place it on top of the blue block." |
Success:
|
| "First, move two counting bears to the left, then clap your hands once." |
Success:
|
| "First, point to the dog picture, then give me the green block." |
Success:
|
| "First, put your hands on your head, then touch your knees." |
Success:
|
For more support
Repeat directions, use physical gestures for keywords, or use a "First/Then" visual board.
To increase challenge
Introduce three-step directions or directions with more abstract concepts (e.g., "behind", "between").
Direction Detective Worksheet Direction Detective
Mastering the Two-Step Mission
Name:
Date:
Be a Super Direction Detective!
Listen carefully to the two-step directions, then draw what they say in the boxes below. Remember, there are two parts to each mission!
1
"First, draw a big red circle. Then, draw a small blue square inside the circle."
2
"First, draw a green tree. Then, draw two yellow apples on the tree."
3
"First, draw a happy face. Then, draw a hat on top of the happy face."
4
"First, draw a black cat. Then, draw a long tail on the cat."
5
"First, draw a tall brown fence. Then, draw three small flowers in front of the fence."
Mission Status: Top Secret Success!
Simon Says Two Step Game Simon Says
Two-Step Edition
Quick Game: 3-5 Mins
Mission Rules
1
Remind the student: Only follow a command if it begins with "Simon says."
2
The student must complete both parts of the direction to win the point.
3
If you don't say "Simon says," the student should stay perfectly still!
The Command Bank
"Simon says, first touch your nose, then clap your hands."
"Simon says, first stand up, then turn around once."
"Simon says, first pat your head, then rub your tummy."
"Simon says, first stomp your feet, then show me ten fingers."
"Simon says, first wave hello, then hop one time."
Trick Command: "First touch your toes, then jump up high." (No Simon!)
Pro Detective Tips
Speed it up: As the student gets better, increase the speed of the commands to test their "working memory" and processing speed.
Role reversal: Let the student be "Simon" for 1-2 rounds to practice giving clear two-step directions themselves!
Direction Progress Cool Down My Direction Progress
Reflection & Self-Assessment
1
What did you learn today about following directions?
2
Was it easy or tricky to remember both parts? Why?
3
What is one way you can use what you learned today at school?
How do you feel about two-step directions now?
😟
1
Not Good
😐
2
🙂
3
😊
4
🤩
5
Super Good!
"A great detective never stops learning!"
