Keep the directions simple. Use one or two phrases at a time. For example, tell your students to "Put the toys in the toy box." Never give a long list of directions; you'll only confuse them and cause them anxiety. Negative directions are those in which you bark out orders that the children can't possibly understand. Give students direction in a positive manner and make them feel as if they've accomplished something once they've followed them.
Be patient when giving directions. Even if they're not understanding what you've requested, don't yell or scream at them. Though a classroom full of preschoolers can be frustrating, don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed; you can cause more harm than good that way. When you give directions in a negative manner, the children will feel as if they're being scolded. Instead, when you're frustrated, try giving the directions using different phrases or simplify the directions so that they're easier for the kids to understand.
Provide the preschoolers with directions that require interaction with each other. This is a type of positive direction that teaches preschoolers to share with or help one another. For example, you might ask student A to help student B to tape her picture on the wall. Put your students in groups and ask them to complete puzzles together. Encourage all students to help clean up toys or other items as a group, regardless of who made the mess.
Be ready to repeat directions. Some students aren't as capable of listening as others, especially at the preschool age when they're still working on comprehension. Never scold a child if you think that he ignored or didn't hear part of your directions. Always give a sign for the children to be quiet before giving directions. The sign for silence should be established on the first day of school, and should be something easy for them to remember; a "peace sign" is often used. Trying to have a group of noisy kids hear your directions is next to impossible.