following directions

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following directions
By LA3

I also teach third. Some years I have students that just don't follow directions. This year my group is more capable. I tell them that I will say directions 1 time out loud (like turn to page 40 in the math book) and if
they miss it the first time, they have a couple of options: they can look at the board ( I always write the page number there after I say it aloud) or they can observe the others around them. If they still don't follow the directions, I will give them a look or walk towards them. If they still don't get it, they have to turn their conduct card. My number one rule in my room is to follow

the directions the first time given, so they know that they have to flip for not listening. It has been pretty good so far for my crew.

If they don't understand the content or steps to solve a problem, then it is a little different. I also tell the kids that they are not allowed to say " I don't get it." They must tell me exactly what they don't understand and ask me a question if they don't understand.

When all else fails, I award the kids who do listen and follow directions the first time. I don't do it often, but when I have one of those days where nobody seems to listen, it really gets the others' attention.