Following Instructions

Following instructions is a very good way of seeing how much your students can understand, as their
comprehension is tested in whether they carry out the activity correctly or not. It's important to make
instructions clear and short, so that they don't become a memory test!
Classroom Ideas
Train your students to pay attention to instructions and to concentrate on understanding them.

Use T.P.R. (Total Physical Response) activities using simple language of instruction (i.e.
imperatives). The children have to carry out your commands physically. At a simple level, this
could be 'Stand up!', 'Jump 3 times!' and so on; at higher levels, it could be 'Stand up, walk to
the board and write the name of one classmate on the board. Then sit down again.' T.P.R.
activities should be fun and involve concentration.
Before you give instructions, make sure everyone is focused on you or on the appropriate
text. Don't give instructions till everyone is ready and concentrating.

When you give instructions, try getting the children to repeat what you said. This will provide
clarification of their understanding of the language and the task you have set them to do.

Take time to repeat instructions if necessary.

Get students to check with each other, in their own language or in English, what they have to
do after you have given the instructions. Then get one student to tell you and make sure
everyone agrees.

Get a student to demonstrate what they are going to do on the board with an example.

Try dictating instructions. You will then provide spelling and writing practice at the same time.