Direction Detectives

Teacher Facilitation Guide

Social Skills Unit

Objective

Students will learn to listen to full instructions, manage multi-step tasks, and begin work promptly.

Duration

30-45 Minutes

Materials

Anchor Chart
Mini-Lesson Slides
Student Worksheet

Lesson Procedure

01

Introduction (5 mins)

Introduce the theme: "Today we are all Direction Detectives." Review the Anchor Chart and the 4-step protocol: Stop & Lock, Listen to the End, Mental Checklist, Mission Start.

02

Social Story (10 mins)

Present the "Detective Dash" slides. Discuss why Dash's speed was actually a problem (he missed the "secret clue" because he didn't listen to the end). Ask students: "Has this ever happened to you?"

03

Activity: Chief Says (10 mins)

A variation of Simon Says. The teacher is "The Chief." Students must follow multi-step directions ONLY after the Chief says "GO!"

Example Commands:

• "Chief says: Pat your head, then stand on one leg... GO!"
• "Chief says: Clap three times and whisper 'I'm a detective'... GO!"
• "Chief says: Look at the door, then touch your elbows... (Wait for GO!)"

04

Worksheet & Reflection (15 mins)

Students complete the "Mission: Follow Directions" worksheet to apply their knowledge of scenarios and mental checklists.

Worksheet Key & Differentiation

Expected Responses

Scenario 1 Choice:

Middle option: "He forgot to listen to the whole instruction before starting."

Mental Checklist Breakdown:

1. Name on paper.
2. Circle capital letters.
3. Blue bin.

Prompt Start Reflection:

Starting promptly shows you are ready and helps you finish on time without getting distracted by others.

Support Strategies

For Visual Learners: Keep the Anchor Chart displayed during the "Chief Says" activity.
For Auditory Processing: Have students whisper the steps to themselves during the "Mental Checklist" portion.
Extension: Challenge students to create their own 3-step missions for a partner.