Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare picture cards showing common actions (e.g., sitting, standing, clapping) and ensure the classroom is clear for movement activities. The central idea is for pupils to understand that when an adult gives a simple instruction, they should listen and perform the action. Observe pupils actively responding to and demonstrating simple instructions like “stand up” or “clap your hands” as a sign of successful learning.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Social Habits
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS
Subject Matter: Simple Instructions; Examples of Simple instructions at home and school; How to Respond to Instructions. Weekly focus: Simple Instructions: Examples at Home and School.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify simple instructions given by the teacher.
- Name examples of simple instructions heard at home and school.
Affective Domain
- Listen attentively when instructions are given.
- Show willingness to participate in activities involving simple instructions.
Psychomotor Domain
- Follow simple, one-step instructions.
- Demonstrate understanding by performing actions related to instructions.
Social Domain
- Participate in group activities that require following instructions.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Video clips (e.g., songs about following directions)
- Charts showing pictures of children following instructions (e.g., sitting, standing, clapping)
- Real objects for simple instructions (e.g., a toy, a book)
- Picture cards of actions
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 2-year-olds as it helps them develop crucial listening skills and the ability to follow directions, which are fundamental for learning and safety. Understanding simple instructions enables children to navigate their environment, participate in daily routines at home and school, and interact effectively with others.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can listen to familiar voices, recognize common objects, and perform simple actions like pointing or clapping.Lesson Content/Board Summary
SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions are simple things adults tell us to do. When someone gives an instruction, we listen and then do what they say.Examples of Simple Instructions at Home:
- “Come here.”
- “Sit down.”
- “Give me the cup.”
- “Eat your food.”
- “Go to Mummy.”
Examples of Simple Instructions at School:
- “Stand up.”
- “Clap your hands.”
- “Touch your nose.”
- “Look at the board.”
- “March around.”
How to Respond to Instructions:
- Listen carefully with your ears.
- Look at the person talking.
- Do the action they ask you to do.
Key Words
- Instruction – something someone tells you to do.
- Listen – to hear carefully with your ears.
- Do – to perform an action.
Listen and Do Rhyme
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Listen, listen, what to do,
Listen, listen, me and you.
Clap your hands, one, two, three,
Listen, listen, follow me.
Sit down now, on the floor,
Listen, listen, want some more!
Actions: Point to ears for “listen,” clap hands, sit down, point to self and others for “me and you.”
Watch and Practise
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Explain “instruction” by giving a simple instruction and immediately demonstrating it (e.g., “Teacher says, ‘Clap your hands!'” and then clap). Use the charts and picture cards to show examples of instructions at home and school. Encourage pupils to imitate the actions as you say the instructions.
What to show or demonstrate: Show pictures of children performing actions like sitting, standing, waving. Demonstrate each instruction clearly and slowly, using exaggerated movements and facial expressions. Use real objects like a toy or book to give instructions like “Give me the toy” or “Put the book down.”
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Listen and Do Rhyme” several times, performing the actions clearly. Encourage pupils to join in with the actions and simple words. Repeat the rhyme to reinforce listening and following directions.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to learn about following instructions. Play the video and encourage pupils to watch and imitate the actions shown. After watching, give a few simple instructions from the video and have pupils practise them.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are looking at you when you speak, if they attempt to perform the actions, and if they respond to instructions without much hesitation. Provide immediate praise for correct responses and gentle guidance for those who are unsure.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Imitation, Practical Activity, Repetition.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Rapport building
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and sings a familiar action song like “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and sing along with actions.
Learning Point: Pupils are settled and ready to learn.
Step 2: Presentation (Meaning of Instructions)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that instructions are things we are told to do. The teacher gives a very simple instruction like “Clap your hands!” and claps, then asks pupils to do the same. The teacher repeats with “Stand up!” and stands, then asks pupils to follow.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, watch the teacher’s actions, and imitate the simple instructions.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to understand that instructions mean doing an action.
Step 3: Presentation (Instructions at Home)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Examples/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows charts/pictures of children doing things at home and gives examples of instructions heard at home, like “Eat your food,” “Give me the toy,” “Come here.” The teacher demonstrates each action.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the pictures, listen to the examples, and try to mimic the actions shown by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils identify simple instructions common in a home setting.
Step 4: Presentation (Instructions at School)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Examples/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives examples of instructions heard at school, such as “Sit down,” “Touch your head,” “Look at me.” The teacher demonstrates each instruction and asks pupils to follow immediately.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the instructions and perform the actions as demonstrated by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils identify simple instructions common in a school setting.
Step 5: Guided Practice (Rhyme and Video)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Listen and Do Rhyme” with actions. Then, the teacher plays the video “Follow The Directions Song” and encourages pupils to watch and move along with the video’s instructions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and follow the instructions in the video, moving their bodies.
Learning Point: Pupils practise following instructions in a fun and engaging way.
Step 6: Application
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives a series of simple, one-step instructions (e.g., “Point to the door,” “Shake your head,” “Wiggle your fingers”) and observes pupils’ responses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully and try to perform the instructed actions.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate their ability to follow new simple instructions.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Clap your hands!” (Teacher observes if pupils clap).
- “Touch your toes!” (Teacher observes if pupils attempt to touch toes).
- “Show me how you sit down.” (Teacher observes if pupils sit).
- “Point to the window.” (Teacher observes if pupils point correctly).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recap/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for listening and following instructions well. The teacher reminds them to always listen to Mummy, Daddy, and teachers. The teacher sings a short “Goodbye” song.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and sing the “Goodbye” song.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and remember the importance of listening.
Lesson Keywords
- Instruction – something someone tells you to do.
- Listen – to hear carefully with your ears.
- Do – to perform an action.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who struggle, provide more one-on-one demonstration, use hand-over-hand guidance for actions, and repeat instructions slowly and clearly. Use larger picture cards or real objects for clearer visual cues.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, introduce slightly more complex one-step instructions (e.g., “Stand up and turn around once”) or ask them to identify an action from a picture card when given an instruction.
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