🧭

Lesson 1 - Following Directions

Social Skills & Cooperation

•

Year 1

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

55 min

Big Question

How can we become better listeners and followers to work together as a team?

Learning Objectives

To listen carefully to and follow instructions accurately
To demonstrate active listening skills during physical activities
To work cooperatively with others while following directions

Key Outcomes

Students will follow multi-step instructions consistently
Students will demonstrate improved listening skills in group activities
Students will show understanding of safety through following directions

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Place around perimeter and create centre line for Simon Says activity

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or markers

Coloured Cones

4-6 different colours

Keep handy for Red Light/Green Light variations

Alternative: Coloured paper, scarves, or clothing items

Key Vocabulary

Instructions

Clear directions telling you what to do

Listening

Using your ears and brain to understand what someone is saying

Safe space

A place where you can move without bumping into others

Freeze

Stop moving completely like a statue

Cooperate

Working together nicely with others

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Can walk and run safely
Understands basic movement vocabulary
Can recognise own name being called

Current Skills

Following multi-step instructions
Active listening during movement
Working cooperatively in pairs and groups

Next Steps

Leading others through instructions
Creating own movement sequences
Teaching skills to peers

Milestone Indicators

Consistently follows 2-3 step instructions

Demonstrates active listening body language

Helps others understand instructions

Key Teaching Points

Always give instructions before starting movement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage good listening
Model excellent listening behaviour yourself
Connect instruction-following to safety throughout
Celebrate cooperation and teamwork efforts
Ensure all students feel included regardless of ability
Use variety in instruction delivery to maintain engagement

Common Misconceptions

Students may think following instructions means just copying others - emphasise individual listening
Some may believe they can't participate if they make mistakes - ensure continued inclusion
Students might think louder means more important - teach that all instructions matter
Some may assume instructions are just for games - connect to real-life importance
Students may think cooperation means doing everything the same - celebrate different contributions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter instruction sequences, movement breaks built in, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for attention

dyspraxia

Slower pace for complex instructions, visual demonstrations, practice time for coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent language

visual impairment

Use clear verbal instructions, tactile cues, buddy system for movement activities, describe all visual signals verbally

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt movements as appropriate, seated versions of activities, focus on achievable instruction-following

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, vocabulary development, active listening skills, speaking and listening in groups

Maths

Spatial awareness, direction vocabulary, counting instructions, pattern recognition in movement sequences

Science

Understanding how our ears help us hear, body parts involved in movement, coordination and balance

PSHE

Cooperation, teamwork, respecting others, following rules, celebrating differences, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students can see and hear clearly, move around to observe all students during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for instruction-following accuracy, safe movement, and positive cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students not following safety guidelines or if instructions are not understood

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, praise good examples immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Listen first, then move!'
•'Find your safe space!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Show me excellent listening!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space, larger preferable for movement activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones checked for sharp edges or cracks
•Coloured signals clearly visible to all students
•Equipment stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Falls during direction changes or stops
•Unsafe transitions to floor positions

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasis on controlled movement speeds
•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Practice safe spacing and stopping techniques
•Demonstrate safe floor transitions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor movement activities for safe spacing
•Watch for fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed