Direction Detective Lesson Plan Direction Detective
Lesson Plan // Confidential
Case Duration
30 Minutes
Objective
Follow multi-step directions with 80% accuracy.
Audience
3rd Grade Autistic Student (Individual)
Approach
Interactive activities & visual supports.
Why it matters
Fosters independence and reduces frustration in daily routines.
Case Prep: 10 Minutes
Review Slide Deck teacher notes
Print Listen Up! Warm-Up
Print Secret Steps Worksheet
Cut Action Game Cards
Gather Whiteboard/Markers
Print Exit Ticket
Mission Timeline
1
Warm-Up: Listen Up!
5 MIN
Begin with the Warm-Up activity. Present 2-step verbal directions . Emphasize listening carefully. Example: "Touch your head, then clap your hands." Observe and provide immediate, positive feedback.
2
Intro: Direction Decoding
3 MIN
Use the Slide Deck to introduce the concept. Explain what multi-step directions are and why they matter using simple language. Ask: "Why is it important to listen carefully?"
3
Activity: Secret Steps
8 MIN
Student follows verbal directions on the Secret Steps Worksheet . Read each direction clearly (e.g., "Draw a circle, then color it blue"). Offer praise for effort and accuracy.
4
Game: Direction Action
10 MIN
Show cards with directions and have the student act them out. Start with 1-step, then progress to 2-step. Celebrate success and provide gentle corrections.
5
Cool-Down: Check-Out Challenge
4 MIN
Complete the Exit Ticket . Read prompts aloud to ensure understanding. Collect as assessment and praise the student for their hard work as a Direction Detective!
Direction Decoding Slides Mission Briefing
Welcome,
Direction Detective!
Today, we're becoming experts at listening and following codes.
Agent ID: Student
What's a Direction?
A direction tells us what to do. It's like a mini-mission!
Examples:
"Stand up!"
"Point to the door!"
"Pick up your pencil!"
Teacher: Explain simply. Use hand gestures to indicate 'what to do'.
More Than One Step?
Sometimes, directions have MORE THAN ONE step!
1
First...
Touch your nose.
2
Then...
Clap your hands.
"It's important to remember ALL the steps in order!"
Teacher: Use visual examples. Emphasize order: "First, Then".
Why Are Directions Important?
Learn new things easily
Do tasks the right way
Stay safe and prepared
Know what comes next
It makes school and home life way easier!
Teacher: Connect to daily routines like washing hands or getting ready for lunch.
Ready to Practice?
We're going to play games to become Super Direction Detectives!
Start Practice
Listen Up Warm Up Document Listen Up! Warm-Up
PHASE: WARM-UP
Teacher Instructions
Read these directions aloud to the student. Start with Round 1 (single steps). If they find it easy, move to Round 2 (two steps). Remind them: "Listen with detective ears!"
Round 1
One-Step Directions
1
"Touch your head."
2
"Wiggle your fingers."
3
"Stomp your foot."
4
"Blink your eyes twice."
5
"Give a thumbs up."
Round 2
Two-Step Directions
1
"Touch your nose, then pat your leg."
2
"Clap your hands, then smile big."
3
"Stand up, then sit down quietly."
4
"Point to the door, then point to the ceiling."
5
"Cross your arms, then nod your head."
Detective Tip: Use your fingers to count steps (1... 2...) to help the student visualize the process!
Secret Steps Worksheet Secret Steps Worksheet
Mission: Follow All Directions
Detective:
Date:
Instructions: Your teacher will read the directions out loud. Listen carefully with your "detective ears" and complete each step on your paper!
Part 1: Drawing Detective
1
"Draw a large blue square. Then, draw a yellow triangle on top of the square, and a small green circle inside the square."
2
"Draw three small red triangles in a row. Then, draw a long, squiggly line under all of them, and put a star at each end of the line."
3
"Draw a happy face with two big eyes and a wide smile. Then, draw a striped hat on its head and two small ears on the sides of its face."
4
"Draw a five-pointed star. Then, draw a small circle in the middle of the star, and color the star your favorite color while leaving the circle white."
Part 2: Number Navigator
1
"Write the number 5, then write the number 7 next to it, and finally, write the sum of 5 and 7 below them."
2
"Write the number 10. Then, circle it with a green marker, and draw a small square next to the circle."
3
"Write your age. Then, draw a box around it, and draw a happy face above the box."
Mission Accomplished!
Place detective sticker here
Direction Action Game Instructions Direction Action Game!
Active Listening Mission
How to Play
1
The Mission Reveal
The teacher will hold up a Direction Action Game Card . Look at the card and listen carefully to the instruction.
2
Decode & Act
Read the direction (or listen as the teacher reads it). Perform the action(s) exactly as written.
3
Mission Success
Celebrate your awesome direction-following skills with a high-five or a "Woohoo!"
Example Missions
"Touch your toes."
"Hop twice, then spin."
"Pretend to fly, then land."
Become a Master Detective!
Can you follow two steps in a row?
Direction Action Game Cards Document Direction Action Game Cards
Instructions for Teacher: Print and cut out these cards. Use them to guide the student through physical actions. Start with single-step cards and progress to two-step cards.
Part 1: Single-Step Missions
Mission A
Touch your nose.
Mission B
Clap your hands.
Mission C
Stand up.
Mission D
Sit down.
Mission E
Wiggle your fingers.
Mission F
Pat your head.
Part 2: Multi-Step Missions
Step 1 + 2
1. Touch your toes,
Step 1 + 2
1. Stand up,
Step 1 + 2
1. Pat your knees twice,
Step 1 + 2
1. Point to the door,
Step 1 + 2
1. Hop on one foot,
Step 1 + 2
1. Cross your arms,
Check Out Challenge Exit Ticket Final Mission
Check-Out Challenge
Exit Ticket // Agent Evaluation
Agent Name:
Date:
1 What is one important thing you learned today?
2 Why is it important to listen carefully?
3 Give an example of a 2-step direction you followed.
4 How do you feel about following directions now?
😊 Super Good
😐 Okay
😕 Tricky
End of Mission // Great Job Detective
