Follow the Leader Lesson Plan
Follow the Leader Fun
Tier 2 Group Lesson Plan
Duration 30 MIN
Why It Matters
Kindergarteners benefit from consistent routines and visual supports to learn impulse control and following directions. This lesson fosters confidence, self-control, and readiness to be good learners in the classroom.
Materials
- Follow the Leader Cue Cards
- Good Student Worksheet
- Activity Worksheet
- Direction Chart Poster
- Visual Timer
- Crayons/Markers & Scissors
Prep (10 min)
- • Print and laminate Cue Cards and Direction Chart.
- • Cut out cue cards and place them in a basket or on a ring.
- • Gather crayons, markers, scissors, and a visual timer.
- • Prepare student worksheet copies.
Lesson Objective
Build kindergarteners’ self-regulation and directional-following skills through a predictable 30-minute group that uses visual cues and interactive leader–follower games.
1
Intro & Rules Review 5 MIN
- • Gather students in a circle and welcome them to the group.
- • Show the Teacher Direction Chart and review signals: Listen, Eyes on teacher, Hands in lap, Quiet mouth.
- • Practice each signal once, modeling expected behavior.
2
Follow the Leader Game 10 MIN
- • Explain that everyone takes turns being the leader using visual cue cards.
- • Model: Draw a card, do the action (march, tiptoe), students mimic.
- • Set timer for 2 mins per leader. Rotate 3–4 students.
- • Praise following: "I love how Joey kept eyes on the leader!"
3
Worksheet Practice 10 MIN
- • Hand out the Follow the Leader Activity Worksheet.
- • Instruct students to draw lines connecting leaders to correct followers.
- • Students color each pair once matching is complete.
- • Circulate to prompt marker use and check matching.
4
Reflection & Skills 5 MIN
- • Show the Good Student Behavior Worksheet.
- • Discuss: listening, following directions, being patient.
- • Invite 2–3 students to share which behavior they practiced today.
- • Reinforce with specific praise and collect materials.
Lenny's Tip: For kindergarteners, use a physical visual timer (like a red sand timer or a countdown clock) so they can "see" the time remaining for each leader.
Follow the Leader Slides
Follow the Leader Fun
Social Regulation & Directions
KINDERGARTEN 30 MINUTES
Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that over the next 30 minutes we’ll play games, do worksheets, and practice being great listeners.
Today's Goals
-
Learn 4 classroom signals
-
Practice following visual cues
-
Connect leaders and followers
-
Identify “good student” behaviors
Teacher Note: Point to the Direction Chart when you say "follow directions".
Materials
Cue Cards
Worksheets
Visual Timer
Direction Chart
Crayons
Scissors
Teacher Note: Show each item as you go. Pass them around for students to hold.
1. Introduction
5 MIN
Learn 4 Signals
Listen, Eyes on teacher, Hands in lap, Quiet mouth.
Practice
Model each signal and have students mimic.
Teacher Note: Gather students in a circle. Use the chart to teach each signal.
2. Follow the Leader
10 MIN
-
Draw a cue card and show the group.
-
Leader performs the action (march, tiptoe).
-
Everyone mimics the leader!
2 Minutes
Per Turn
Teacher Note: Rotate through 3–4 students. Praise good following immediately!
3. Activity Time
10 MIN
A
Draw lines to match leader & follower.
B
Color each matching pair.
Teacher Note: Demonstrate drawing a line to match one pair before starting.
4. Reflection
5 MIN
Listening
Following Directions
Being Patient
Teacher Note: Invite 2-3 students to share which behavior they practiced today.
Great Job!
You practiced being a leader and a great follower today. Keep using your signals!
Follow the Leader Fun • Tier 2 Group
Follow the Leader Activity Worksheet
Leader & Follower Match
Follow the Leader Fun Activity
Name
How to Play:
1. Draw a line from the Leader on the left to the Follower on the right who is doing the same thing!
2. Color each matching pair the same color.
Leaders
Marching
Tiptoeing
Clapping
Followers
Clapping
Marching
Tiptoeing
Great Job Following the Leader
Follow the Leader Cue Cards Visuals
Follow the Leader Cue Cards
Cut along the dashed lines to create individual action cards. Laminate for durability and place in a basket for the game!
Marching
Tiptoeing
Clapping
Jumping
Spinning
Waving
Teacher's Guide: How to Use
STEP 1
Shuffle cards and place them face down in a basket.
STEP 2
Student picks a card and leads the action for the group.
STEP 3
Rotate leaders every 2 minutes so everyone gets a turn!
Teacher Direction Chart Poster
Our Classroom Signals
How to be a Great Learner
Listen
Stop talking and put your finger to your lips. Use your ears to hear the teacher.
Eyes on Me
Look at the teacher. Keep your eyes focused so you don't miss instructions!
Hands in Lap
Place your hands quietly in your lap. This helps you stay ready to learn.
Quiet Mouth
Close your mouth and use your quiet voice until the teacher says it's okay to talk.
Ready to Learn Today