Comments on: Following Simple Directions

By: Angela

Angela — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:58:43 +0000

I have done something similar with my third graders. Most did not follow the directions. No backlash, though, probably because there were no rewards involved (as a previous commenter suggested).

And as several other commenters mentioned, I, too, write painfully clear directions on the board every morning and still find students just sitting there or doing the wrong thing. At least three times every morning I have to say READ. THE. MORNING. WORK. BOARD. And at least three times every morning, someone replies “Oh. Oh, yeah.”

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:20:09 +0000

It’s funny — I just gave a quiz like this earlier this week. After tellling them a couple of times to read the instructions (similar to yours), I gave them a very realistic-looking quiz until the next-to-last question which asked them to put down their favorite color and turn in the quiz (I teach high school Geometry). Then I gave them the real quiz. I had about 10% do it correctly. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, but I told them that I was tired of repeating directions over and over to each student who wouldn’t read them. Maybe this will strike a chord.

By: Mister Teacher

Mister Teacher — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:07:36 +0000

I have the same problem with my 3rd graders. It’s often not just following written directions, but oral directions as well. Before the kids come into my room, I make eye contact, look directly at them, and say something like, “Come in, take out your homework, and get started on the first question on the board.” They come in, sit down, and look around vacantly, waiting to be told what to do. Ugh.

Unfortunately, your test would never work with my kids because many of them couldn’t even read the directions at the top by themselves…

By: Mrs. Chili

Mrs. Chili — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:17:03 +0000

I post articulately, painfully, excruciatingly clear instructions on my class website EVERY DAY for the homework assignments. I continue to be astounded by how many kids can’t follow directions.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:47:43 +0000

Actually I had this type of test before but without number two in college. I failed that time. If I remember correctly quite a few of us did. However, you know I learned something because I did read it through to the very end. If you did not use the rewards you might not all the angry but self esteem overboard is alive and well in the schools systems.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:02:54 +0000

In my district they will do anything to avoid angry parents and the parents know they will be enabled in this. Parents vote for bonds and levies; they write letters to the newspaper and the supe, so who cares what is best for the overall growth, responsibility and maturity of the child? Bah. Can you tell I’m pretty disgusted as well? They changed our district make up work for skipping and cheating policy and it would make you violently angry. (like I already am)