The best following directions activities for kids are listening games that start with one-step instructions and build up: Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, drawing from spoken directions, obstacle courses and simple cooking. Each one gives children a reason to listen to the whole instruction, remember it and act on it in the right order.
Here are 12 following directions activities for kids, with the level of difficulty and how to run each one.
1. Simon Says
Level: one step. Ages: 3 to 8.
The classic game teaches children to listen for a key phrase before acting. Make it harder by speeding up or giving two actions at once: “Simon says touch your nose and jump.”
2. Red Light, Green Light
Level: one step. Ages: 3 to 8.
Kids move on “green light” and freeze on “red light.” Add “yellow light” for slow motion. It trains listening and stopping on cue, which helps in classrooms.
3. Listen and Draw
Level: two to four steps. Ages: 5 to 10.
Give spoken instructions without showing a picture: “Draw a big circle. Put two small circles inside at the top. Draw a smile underneath.” Compare drawings at the end. Different results lead to good talk about listening carefully.
4. Obstacle Course Directions
Level: multi-step. Ages: 4 to 10.
Set up cushions, a tunnel and a chair. Give a sequence: “Crawl under the table, hop to the cushion, then sit on the chair.” Start with two steps and add more as the child succeeds.
5. Color by Instructions
Level: two steps. Ages: 4 to 8.
Give a simple picture and spoken directions: “Color the sun yellow, then color the biggest tree green.” Children must hold both parts in mind.
6. Treasure Hunt Clues
Level: multi-step. Ages: 5 to 10.
Write or say clues that lead from one spot to the next: “Go to the place where we keep the milk.” Older children can read the clues; younger ones listen.
7. Cooking Together
Level: multi-step. Ages: 4 and up.
Simple recipes such as fruit kebabs or no-bake snacks have clear steps in order. Read each step aloud and let the child do it. Supervise anything sharp or hot.
8. Barrier Game
Level: multi-step. Ages: 5 to 10.
Two players sit with a book standing between them. One builds a small block design and describes it; the other builds the same design from the description alone. Then lift the barrier and compare.
9. Freeze Dance With Instructions
Level: one to two steps. Ages: 3 to 8.
When the music stops, give an instruction: “Freeze like a statue,” “Touch something blue.” Kids must listen through the excitement.
10. Origami or Paper Folding
Level: multi-step. Ages: 6 to 12.
Simple folds such as a paper cup or hat need each step done in order. If a step is skipped, the model does not work, which shows why order matters.
11. Sequencing Cards
Level: ordering. Ages: 4 to 8.
Use picture cards showing steps, such as brushing teeth or planting a seed. The child puts them in order and explains each step. This builds the “first, next, then, last” language behind following directions.
12. Robot Commands
Level: multi-step. Ages: 5 to 10.
One person is the robot who does exactly what they hear. The other gives commands to reach a goal. It works both ways: children practice giving clear directions as well as following them.
Tips for Giving Directions Kids Can Follow
- Get attention first. Say the child’s name and make eye contact.
- Keep it short and give one step at a time to young children.
- Ask them to repeat it. “What are you going to do first?”
- Use order words: first, next, then, last.
- Praise success right away: “You did both steps!”
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many steps should a child be able to follow? Many toddlers can follow one-step directions, preschoolers two steps, and school-age children longer sequences. Children vary, so build up gradually.
- What if my child does not follow directions? Check they heard you, make the instruction shorter and use games to practice when nobody is in a hurry.
- When should I be concerned? If a child regularly struggles with simple directions compared with peers, mention it to their doctor or teacher.
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