Simple Commands: Giving and following two-step directions in the school environment for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Studies
Curriculum Theme: Listening and Speaking
Focal competence: Giving and carrying out simple commands
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Respect; Tolerance; Communication; Critical Thinking; Creativity and Innovation
Skills:

• Listening
• Speaking

Previous Lesson: Common Signs And Symbols: Common Signs And Symbols
Topic: Simple Commands
Subject Matter: Giving and following two-step directions in the school environment

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify simple commands and two-step directions.
• Understand the meaning of common commands used in the school.

Affective Domain

• Listen attentively when commands are given.
• Appreciate the importance of following instructions.

Psychomotor Domain

• Carry out selected simple commands correctly.
• Follow two-step directions accurately and in the correct sequence.

Social Domain

• Collaborate with classmates when practising commands.
• Use an appropriate and polite tone when giving commands.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable English Studies textbook for Primary 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Approved publisher-neutral text
• Letter, word and picture cards
• Exercise books and pencils
• Wall chart with safety signs and symbols drawn on them
• Real objects in the classroom (e.g., books, pens, chairs, doors, windows)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it teaches pupils how to understand and respond to instructions, which is a fundamental skill for classroom management and daily interactions. Mastering simple commands and two-step directions helps pupils navigate their school environment safely and efficiently. It also builds their listening and speaking abilities, which are crucial for effective communication.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should be able to recognise some common objects in the classroom and understand very simple instructions like “sit down” or “stand up.”

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Simple Commands: Giving and Following Two-Step Directions

What are Simple Commands?

Simple commands are short instructions that tell someone to do something. They are usually direct and easy to understand.

Examples of simple commands in the school environment:

1. Stand up.
2. Sit down.
3. Open your book.
4. Close your bag.
5. Pick up your pencil.
6. Look at the board.
7. Be quiet.

What are Two-Step Directions?

Two-step directions are instructions that ask you to do two things, one after the other. You must do the first thing before you do the second.

Examples of two-step directions in the school environment:

1. Stand up and walk to the door.
2. Pick up your pencil and open your book.
3. Go to the board and write your name.
4. Close your book and put it in your bag.
5. Look at the picture and tell me what you see.
6. Turn around and face the window.
7. Take out your eraser and clean your desk.

Important Points for Giving and Following Commands

When giving or following commands, it is important to:

1. Listen carefully: Pay attention to all the words spoken.
2. Understand the command: Make sure you know what to do.
3. Follow the steps in order: Do the first part of a two-step direction before the second.
4. Use a polite tone: When giving commands, speak clearly and politely, without shouting or being rude.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Role-play, Individual Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to perform some very simple, single-step actions like “Clap your hands” or “Touch your nose” to warm them up and activate their listening skills.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by performing the simple actions. They greet the teacher back.

Learning Point: Responding to simple actions

Step 2: Explanation of Simple Commands

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what simple commands are, using clear and easy language. The teacher then gives several examples of simple commands relevant to the classroom, demonstrating each one (e.g., “Stand up,” “Sit down,” “Open your book”).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and observe the teacher’s demonstrations. They may repeat the commands after the teacher.

Learning Point: Meaning of simple commands

Step 3: Practising Simple Commands

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher calls on individual pupils or groups to perform simple commands. The teacher ensures pupils follow the commands correctly and gives positive feedback.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take turns to carry out the simple commands given by the teacher.

Learning Point: Carrying out simple commands

Step 4: Introduction to Two-Step Directions

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of two-step directions, explaining that they involve doing two things in order. The teacher models several two-step directions, demonstrating both actions in sequence (e.g., “Stand up and walk to the door,” “Pick up your pencil and open your book”). The teacher emphasizes doing the actions in the correct order.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and observe the teacher’s demonstrations of two-step directions.

Learning Point: Understanding two-step directions

Step 5: Guided Practice with Two-Step Directions

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Role-play

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives pupils various two-step directions. The teacher walks around to observe and assist pupils, ensuring they perform both steps in the correct order. The teacher also highlights the importance of a polite tone when giving commands.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise following two-step directions. They may work in pairs to give and follow directions to each other, using a polite tone.

Learning Point: Following two-step directions

Step 6: Reinforcement and Tone

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reviews the importance of listening carefully and performing actions in sequence. The teacher also discusses how to give commands politely, without shouting, using phrases like “Please…”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in a brief discussion, sharing their understanding of polite command-giving and careful listening.

Learning Point: Polite command tone

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Give one simple command.
2. What does “Pick up your book and put it on the table” mean?
3. Show me how to “Stand up and clap your hands.”
4. Why is it important to listen carefully to commands?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Correctly following directions

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on simple commands and two-step directions into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reminds pupils that listening and following directions is very important in school and at home. The teacher encourages them to always listen carefully and respond appropriately.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of the lesson.

Learning Point: Importance of following commands

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework / Practice Exercise

Instruction: Ask your parents or guardians to give you two-step directions at home. Practise following them carefully.

1. Go to your room and bring your school bag.
2. Open the door and put your shoes outside.
3. Pick up the broom and sweep the floor.
4. Wash your hands and eat your food.
5. Look at the clock and tell me the time.

Lesson Keywords

• Command – an instruction to do something.
• Direction – an instruction on how to do something or where to go.
• Two-step – having two parts or stages.
• Follow – to do what someone tells you to do.
• Listen – to pay attention to sounds or words.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide more one-on-one practice with single-step commands before moving to two-step directions. Use visual cues and picture cards to support understanding. Simplify the commands further if needed.

For faster learners: Challenge them to create their own two-step directions and give them to a partner. Encourage them to use more varied vocabulary in their commands.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: Primary 1 simple commands two-step directions English

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a clear space for pupils to move around safely during activities. Prepare simple picture cards for common actions and objects to aid understanding, especially for visual learners. Begin by modelling clearly and enthusiastically, then gradually involve pupils in guided practice, first individually, then in pairs. Pay close attention to pupils’ ability to follow the sequence of two-step directions. Correct any errors gently and reinforce positive listening and polite speaking habits. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes into their exercise books after the main teaching and practice activities, during the note-taking step, to consolidate their learning.