Following directions is a key skill that supports learning, teamwork, and safety. For many kids and teens, however, mastering this skill takes time and practice. Staying focused, remembering steps, and completing tasks independently can be tough without structure or guidance.
The Following Directions Worksheets consist of four unique worksheets: Following Directions Worksheet, Following Directions Self-Assessment, Following Directions Practice, and Following Directions Quiz. The activities on these sheets involve identifying effective direction-following habits, conducting a self-assessment, and completing a practice exercise to strengthen the skill.
Working through these sheets helps kids and teens become more aware of how they listen to and follow instructions, especially during everyday tasks that require concentration.
To reinforce the skill in real life, caring adults can turn daily routines into fun, instruction-based challenges. Activities involving simple materials like blocks, craft supplies, or kitchen tools can make following directions engaging and hands-on.
Our All About Following Directions handout is a helpful supplement to these worksheets.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of social skills worksheets.
References:
- Agran, M., Sinclair, T., Alper, S., Cavin, M., Wehmeyer, M., & Hughes, C. (2005). Using self-monitoring to increase following-direction skills of students with moderate to severe disabilities in general education. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 40(1), 3–13.
- Dunham, S., Lee, E., & Persky, A. M. (2020). The psychology of following instructions and its implications. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(8), ajpe7779. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7779
- Laurian-Fitzgerald, S. (2016). The effect of teaching cooperative learning skills on developing young students’ growth mindset. Educația Plus, 14(3), 68–83.
