Social Skill: Following Verbal Instructions

Goal: Students will be able to follow directions given by teachers and other adults. 1. Establish the Need: Discuss about the importance of the skills. Following instructions by listening attentively enables the student to successfully complete given tasks. 2. Introduction: Initiate a game of Simon Says. The rules of the game will be explained. The importance of following the rules in order to remain in the game will be stressed. 3. Identify the Skill Components (write on the SmartBoard before the lesson): - Look at the speaker. - Listen. - Think about what the speaker is saying. - Ask questions. - Follow instructions. 4. Model the Skill: Teacher will read aloud the following instructions for making a walkie talkie. Materials and assistance will be provided. This can be done independently or in pairs. - Using a pencil, poke a hole into the bottom of each paper cup. - Slip the yarn through the inside of the ole in Cup #1 and tie a knot. - Slip the yarn through the inside of the hole in Cup #2 and tie a knot. - Place a piece of tape over each knot to hold it in place. - Move the cups away from each other until the yarn is taut. - Demonstrate appropriate use of the walkie talkie. 5. Behavioral Rehearsal - Selection: Select three student pairs to role play. In each pair, one person gives instructions and the other person completes the task. - Role Play: One person tells the other how to put on a coat, one person tells the other how to sharpen a pencil, one person tells the other person how to do a simple math problem. - Completion: After each role play, reinforce correct behavior, identify inappropriate behaviors, and reenact with corrections if necessary. - Reinforcers: Praise correct behavior verbally and nonverbally. - Discussion: After the role play, ask questions such as is it important to follow rules in school? Why? 6. Practice: Teacher will read the instructions for any activity and students follow them. 7. Independent Practice: Set up a Listening Center in the classroom.

8. Continuation: Teachers should remind children that they are more likely to be successful when they follow directions. Possible Literature to Use: - Baer, Edith. This Is The Way We Go To School. New York: Scholastic, 1990. - Fox, Mem. Possum Magic. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1990.

*Adapted from Begun, R. (1995). Ready-to-use social skills lessons & activities for grades 1-3. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.