English

Oral Language K.1, K.2, 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3

Mathematics

Geometry K.11, 1.16, 1.17

Do As I Say

This activity provides practice in giving and following directions.

Steps To Complete the Activity

Have each student

• Select one card containing a picture of a geometric shape. In two minutes, draw a picture or design that includes the figure.
• Find a partner, but do not share the picture. Decide which partner will first be the speaker and which will be the writer.
• Go to the chalkboard as the teacher calls on the pair. The speaker describes his or her picture so that the writer can reconstruct it only from the words. When the pair is finished, compare the original picture with the reconstructed one. Then, switch roles and repeat.

Note: The teacher may wish to let students at this level ask questions and clarify directions as they proceed.

Discussion

• How much did the writer’s picture look like the speaker’s picture?
• What can we do to give better directions?
• What can we do to listen more effectively?

Materials

Cards with geometric shapes, such as a circle, half-circle, rectangle, and triangle

Resources

Cihak, Mary K., and Barbara J. Heron. Games Children Should Play. Glenview, IL: Good Year Books, 1980.