Design an obstacle course children can navigate outdoors or in a large indoor area. Arrange a balance beam, hula hoops, carpet squares, tables, a limbo stick and tumbling mats to permit the children to move over, under or beside the items. Give directions for completing the obstacle course and demonstrate. For example, instruct the children to walk around the hula hoop, skip to the carpet squares and gallop beside the tumbling mats. Vary the directions and add new items to the obstacle course to increase or decrease the difficulty level.
Provide simple directions for a scavenger hunt game. Use picture clues that the children can easily locate and interpret. After the game is over, discuss the sequence of the clues and ask the children how the clues led them to the game's prize.
Make a large circle, square or triangle on the floor with masking tape. Provide a simple directive for the children to complete such as, "Skip around the square one time." Permit each child to perform the directive. Individualize all subsequent directives to permit every child to interact differently with the square. Encourage the children to clap for each child's efforts to follow new directions.
Play "What Time Is It, Mr. Duck?" An adult plays the role of Mr. Duck and stands across the room from the children. When the adult gives a predetermined signal, the children ask, "What time is it, Mr. Duck?" Mr. Duck states that it is time to skip. The children skip toward Mr. Duck until signaled to stop. The game continues with Mr. Duck giving a different directive each time he is questioned. When the children are close to him, Mr. Duck answers the question with, "It's midnight!" The children run as Mr. Duck gives chase.
Create pretend games that allow the children to practice following directions. Ask each child to role play her favorite character. She can give simple directions for others to follow while pretending to be her character of choice. Allow each participant to play-act a character.