15 Following Directions Games For Kids & Students

Many parents and teachers seek creative ways to make their children follow directions.

Is that why you are here? We’ve got your back!

All kids respond well to fun games, humor, and patience.

And that’s why we’ve written this guide to present fifteen creative “following directions games” for kids and students.

These games will strengthen their ability to follow directions.

So, read on to explore several options and handpick games that work best for your kids or students!

15 Creative Following Directions Games To Explore

1. Hunting For Treasures

A treasure hunt game encourages kids to stay active, explore, and follow directions.

It is one of the ‘following direction games’ that is great for kids between 3 to 6 years.

This game is played by splitting students into small groups or teams and telling them each a set of clues.

Clues can be simple drawings.

For older children, it can be written clues because they might be able to read them.

Your kids need to follow one clue to the next one till they find the treasure at the end of the game.

Treasures can only be found by those who follow directions in the right way.

The treasure can be anything, from stickers, special pencils, or books.

Undoubtedly, a treasure hunt is a fun and enriching experience for kids.

You can carry out the treasure hunt anywhere. But kids or participants will find outdoor space more stimulating.

An outdoor space gives a parent the ability to find locations to hide things and places to look at while searching.

Requirements For Treasure Hunt Game:

• Paper and pencils to prepare clues
• A Treasure to hide
• A supervisor- Supervises the child while they search for the treasure.

Important Note: Your treasure shouldn’t have to be something special. I’ll suggest having a colorful ball, pen, or plastic bottle. These work well.

Also, your clues can be a drawing that leads your child from one spot to another.

When The Game Ends:

• Ask your child if the treasure hunt was challenging or fun-filled.
• If your child eventually finds the treasure, do not hold back praising them.

Steps To Follow:

• Plan the hunt: Where to hide the treasure
• Draw pictures for each clue: Things your child can identify
• Hide the clues and the treasures: Hide them at a place where you can supervise your child.
• Tell your child it’s time
• Ask about the hunt

If it seems too difficult for your child, use the everyday item in the park.

You can:

• Make a list of items your child should collect – flowers, stones, or anything around.

Also Explore this mind blowing games for ADHD Kids

2. Walk And Stop Game

Walk and stop game is an excellent game that inspires great listening and reflex skills.

Music can be an excellent way to create an exciting and upbeat environment for your kids or students looking to master how to follow directions.

How To Play The Game

• While the music is on, kids would be asked to walk around. They will stop once the player stops the music.
• While walking is effective, teenagers or older students can also dance, jump, or run instead of walking.  
• You will enjoy the game best in an open space.
• You may eliminate anyone who did not stop walking, jumping, running, or skipping when the music is paused.
• As a substitute, retain falters in the game to keep the spirit high and ask them to keep track of the number of times they made mistakes.
• The person with the least number wins.

This game can accommodate more than 30 students and can be played by two persons – a child and their parent.

Key Points About The Walk And Stop Game

• It sharpens listening skills
• It develops communication
• It is simple but not easy
• It emphasizes integrity
• Expect lots of laughter

3. Simple ‘Simon Says’

Simon Says is one of the best “following directions games” for children and students.

It’s designed for three or more players.

Parents can take the role of ‘Simon’ or select one of their kids.

Any direction called out by ‘Simon’ must be followed by other players, but only if the person calling the task prefaced it with “Simon says.”  

Anyone who fails to obey directions that come with the phrase will be eliminated from the game.

Players who follow the directions that didn’t precede the expression will also be eliminated.

This elimination continues till it remains a player who followed all of the commands given.

That player is designated the winner.

What’s The Purpose Of The Game?

• It reinforces the need to follow instructions immediately
• It emphasizes following instructions rather than on physical abilities.

Also Read: 10 Clever Ways To Make Hep Kids Follow Directions

4. Ordering Objects

Here is another following directions game!

Materials required:

• Red Crayon
• Yellow Crayon
• Blue Crayon
• Green Crayon

How To Play It:

• Teachers or parents will line up crayons on the table in the presence of their students or kids.
• Your kids or students will need to manipulate the crayons. The manipulation centers on the directions you give. 

For A Single-step Direction

You can say:

• Spin the red crayon
• Touch the blue crayon
• Move the yellow crayon
• Make letter T using the crayons

For Two-step Directions

You could say:

• Move the yellow crayon to the right
• Move the green crayon to the third place
• Move the blue crayon to the front
• You can make the game gets as advanced as you desire!
• Based on their knowledge and age, you can add multiple-step instructions. Let’s get an example:
• Arrange the crayons in alphabetical order.

Note: Make sure they get a concept better before you move to the next stage.

5. Color By Number

Here is one of the excellent “following directions games online.”

This game encourages kids and students to follow directions.

The game lets kids and students paint various objects.

You can play the online version where kids can paint various cute animals using colors with the correct number.

If you want to explore your creativity, you can simply provide your kids and adult with a sheet showing an image or object sectioned off.

Each section will have a number, and you will direct your kids or students on how to color the image properly.

You can use the online version to get more creative with images and objects to section.

How The Online Version Works

In the online version, you will select a cute animal you intend to color in.

Animal to choose from include octopus, pig, elephant, cat, baby chicken, and a slot.

At the bottom of the screen, kids can find the number of each color in the palette.

Use these colors to fill corresponding squares on the image.

Your kids will keep filling till they’ve got a vibrant picture.

You have the opportunity to zoom in so you can work on any details and then zoom out to see the whole picture.

Interestingly, the game is excellent for both children and adults.

For Children: This game helps them learn the basics of coloring. In addition, it lets them understand shades and colors.

For Adults: The game helps them appreciate beautiful artwork, relax and unwind.

6. Twister

Since its creation, the Twister game has created an uproar. It has even been banned in Germany.

But could it be that people have been playing it the wrong way?

If this isn’t your first time hearing about the Twister game, you might wonder: Is it appropriate for my kids?

Why? It is because of the physical proximity of its players.

To solve these concerns, they have worked at making it as inoffensively as possible.

Twister games target colors, body parts, and left and right concepts.

Twister game is appropriate for age six and up.

It is a great outdoor game for kids.

The Twister Rule For Two Players:

• Players will take off their shoes and stand at the opposite end of the mat, close to the word twister, facing each other.
• Each player will place their feet on the blue and yellow circle closest to them.
• A third person – which can be the parent or teacher– will serve as the referee.
• The referee spins and reads loudly where the color and limb arrow is pointing to.
• For example, He would say something like: “Right hand- Red.”
• Players would have to obey the instructions by moving in the direction of the parent or teacher.
• Only one limb from one of the players should occupy the circle at a time.
• When both players target the same circle, the referee decides who goes there first.
• The moment the limbs have been stepped in the circle, players cannot move them without instructions from the referee.
• If all the circles have been taken, the referee will keep spinning till a different color shows up.
• When a player falls or allows the knee or elbow to touch the mat, the game is over, and the second player is declared the winner.

Do you have more than two kids, check here for the rules.

7. Building Blocks

Are you a millennial? You probably would have played Building Blocks.

Today, Building Blocks is a popular and fun toy that stimulates organization and concentration skills.

No doubt, these toys are essential for children’s learning skills.

You can begin this activity by showing students pre-built structures made from blocks.

Divide the blocks into pairs and give your kids or student-written directions.

These directions tell them how to recreate the structure by implementing blocks of their own.

If you have more than one kid, instruct the children present to work as a team to follow the instructions written.

You can also have a student read the instructions to them while the others assemble the blocks.

8. Coloring Books

Your kids can have a blast coloring all types of pictures with a fun coloring book game.

As one of the following directions games online, you can choose the HTML5 version that works well on computers, tablets, and phones.

Alternatively, you can get a coloring book from the store.

Give directions to your kid for each page.

For example, you could tell them to color the jacket blue. This allows your kids to:

• Identify objects
• Identify Color
• Learn to follow instructions

If you are picking an online version, select your kid’s favorite picture.

Ask them to select their favorite color.

Use the eraser to erase mistakes.

When your kids or students complete the drawing, print the work or save it as a PDF file.

9. Obstacles Course

Obstacles courses are excellent for kids and students.

They help enhance problem-solving skills, encourage thinking, and help improve following directions.

It might be challenging to find low prep and fun obstacles courses.

However, you can get great obstacle courses like:

• Water Obstacle Course
• Spy Training Obstacles
• Backyard Obstacles Course
• Animal Sounds Obstacle Course

As a substitute, you can simply create an excellent obstacle course. You can use:

Pipe obstacle Course– Use interconnected pipes. They are great for outdoor activity and creating personal obstacles.

10. Teacher Says

This game is similar to “Simon says.”

Word Vault Pro has improved the game to make it easier for teachers, parents, and kids.

Yes, this is another free following directions game online!

Parents will stand facing their children with the app opened to the directions on the screen.

They can choose:

• 1 Step
• 2 Steps
• 3 Steps
• 4 Step directions

They can also choose between child or adult directions.

This is perfect when you have older adults.

“I love practicing the adult 4 step direction,” says a parent. The parent admitted that it was both fun and challenging.

The parent was glad no one walked in when patting his head and saying the names of actors.

The app allows players to take data while playing. That’s awesome!

11. Board Games

Every year, developers develop thousands of board games.

Happily, parents and teachers can take advantage of board games that instill “following directions” in the heart of a child.

Whether you are seeking high-level or something beautiful, you’ll find games that have earned a great reputation.

They are games you’ll like.

Board Games To Pick Include:

• Candy Land
• Sorry
• Chutes and Ladders.

These are excellent ways to help your child follow directions and take-turn in a fun and structured manner.  

While it can be tempting to allow your child to ace every game, teach good sportsmanship by letting them lose one round.

There are other board games you can explore here too!

12. Red Light, Green Light

Here is another action game that centers on following directions.

I tried this with kids in my neighborhood. Guess the result? It was remarkable!

The next day, one of them said: “When are we playing the game again?”

I was so happy to hear that!

How To Play

• To play, you’d have to designate someone to play the role of a traffic cop.
• All players will line up at a starting point. The traffic cop is required to say green or red light.
• When the traffic cop says green light, players will head toward the finish line. When the red light is called, players must stop.
• Whoever doesn’t stop at the mention of the green light will be eliminated.
• The round finishes when players cross the finish line. Then, you will start a new game.
• Players who make it to the finish line are the winner.  
• Since the game focuses on following instructions, it will be great to incorporate visual cues.
• That’s going to add another incredible level of learning.
• You can color an object green and the other red to hold up each time the traffic cop calls the color.
• Alternatively, you can use visual cues without speaking. That might be a fun alternative.
• You can add a yellow light for crawling and slowing down to the finish line.

13. Chores

Household chores can also be a better way to make following directions for kids come with ease.

As one of the following directions activities, household chores encourage accountability, responsibility, and time-management skills at a tender age.

You can make the chores rewarding by using a chore chart that fits your family.

You can get great ideas here.

Do These When Giving Chores:

• Frame Chores Like An Exclusive Opportunity- Reframing chores can make chores seem more appealing.
• Make Expectations Clear- Help kids know what it means to do a job well.
• Design A schedule- When they use chore charts, they know the chores they need to do each week. Schedule prevents them from piling their tasks up.
• Give Positive Feedbacks- Inform kids when they are doing it right. Make them aware when they are not. Don’t micromanage them. Let them know what they’ve done well and what they’ve not done well.
• A Reward System? Yes! It’s sweet too. Rewards don’t have to be monetary. Gifts could range from having extra screen time or playtime. It could even mean that you’d give your kids the liberty to choose their next chores.

The Task Could Include:

• Cleaning windows or mirrors
• Making the bed
• Washing the dishes
• Folding clothes
• Wiping down counters and sinks
• Organizing a closet
• Sweeping or vacuuming floors
• Watering plants or pulling weeds.

14. Worksheet Games

I love worksheet games!

As one of the best following direction games, it’s an activity that your child will always love to do.

There are great worksheets you can find on the internet.

You can find it on worksheetsfun and this website. They will help your kids follow directions.

A little caution, though:

Be sure not to help your students when working on them.

Ask them to read the instructions. If they need help, repeat the instructions.

Simple worksheets that ask them to:

Circle the tallest and the shortest items. This is a fun game!

Following directions based on colors

These games would be great for kids in high school or middle school.

They prove that one needs to be detailed when reading instructions.

15. Real-Life Practice

Children with difficulty following directions will find it hard to concentrate during class-guided tasks in school.

It can let them lag, and that can be overwhelming too.

If you have kids in your caseload having problems following instructions in context, inform their teacher.

They will move your child to the front. Also, you’d have to inform your kid’s teacher that offering extra cues will benefit the kids more.

As one of the activities on following directions, this involves practicing real-life tasks they might come across.

In A Classroom Setting:

• Give the student a list of instructions. (Switching roles helps the child to see things from the teacher’s perspective.)
• You can be the student that isn’t following instructions and instruct them to remind you and encourage you to follow instructions.

For Parents:

• You can have a section of your room disorganized. Allow your child to be the parent while you act as the child.
• Instructions To Give: Ask your child to direct you on how to arrange that area. When you fail to follow the instruction, tell them to encourage you to do it.

Here is another following direction activity to engage your kids or students with.

Ask Them To Do The Following:

• Bring out a pencil from your backpack. Sharpen it and write your name at the top of a sheet of paper.
• Use red, yellow, and blue crayons to draw your favorite object.
• Fold the sheet of paper into two. Write your first and last name on the folded page.
• Take the paper you drew your favorite object on and return it to your backpack.
• Then locate your table and wait quietly.
• Make sure you have nothing on your desk.

More:

• Get a sheet of paper and number the paper 1-5. Write down five words that start with the letter b.
• Then, bring the paper to my desk.
• You can add to these instructions. It all depends on what’s appropriate for your child.
• You can ask them to read aloud the first three.

That way, you will successfully address “following directions” in context.

Never forget that it’s vital to incorporate real-life therapy when helping a child to follow directions.

Final Thoughts

I’ve got parents and teachers one of the most exhaustive lists of following directions games you will find on the internet!

These are games and following directions activities proven to be effective in helping a child master the act of following instructions.

While playing any of these games or carrying out these activities, be patient with your kids.

They might not quickly get all the concepts, but with patience and loving support, they will.

It’s not going to be fun for them alone; it will be fun-filled for you too.