Today is rung 5 of 7 on this topic
Listening and following three-step directions
Can do: Holds three instructions in their head and carries them out in order.
Why it matters
By Grade 1 this is how classroom work is delivered. A child who loses step two spends the lesson watching what everyone else does.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Starts the first step and stops, or asks "what was I doing?" halfway through.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Put your book on the shelf, get your shoes, and wait by the door." Once, then wait.
Solid looks like: All three, right order, one telling.
The full activity for this topic · 5 minutes
Three-Step Missions
- 1Get eye contact first. Instructions given to a back don't land.
- 2Give three steps in one go, with no repetition.
- 3Have them repeat it back before moving. Saying it aloud is what stores it.
- 4Build to four steps once three is reliable and dull.
- 5Use it for real jobs — setting the table, packing a bag — not invented ones.
If it's too hard
Two steps, and let them repeat it twice.
If it's too easy
Add a condition: "If the towel is wet, hang it up; if it's dry, fold it."
Say this
"Say it back to me first. Now go — I'm not repeating it."