Last week the students struggled to follow directions, so at the end of the week my MT and I administered a directions "Pop Quiz" in which the directions stated to read all questions before answering any of them. There were 20 tasks to complete and the final task was "Complete only #1 and #2 (Write your name and the date at the top of the page). Wait quietly until time is called." Every student failed the "Pop Quiz" by completing more than the first 2 tasks. We then talked as a class about the importance of listening to and following all directions given either in writing or orally. In the first 2 days of this week I have noticed a great improvement in most students' success in following directions the first time they are given.
It is kind of shocking to me that 5th graders needed to be reminded of the importance of following directions, but it was important to come to the realization that the class needed the reminder and to address this need especially early in the school year. This mini-lesson was a case of realizing a gap in student knowledge of school and classroom expectations and closing that gap.
I think part of the reason students were struggling to follow directions was partially due to laziness and partially due to the desire to see how much they can get away with in a new teacher's classroom. The "Pop Quiz"was a wake up call to many students as to what would and would not be acceptable actions in the classroom.
As I mentioned in my comments in response to Anna's blog, you might benefit from not only reminding students to follow directions, but to take the time to justify and explain the rationale behind the classroom rules and routines, or the procedure for any given task (e.g., clean up the manipulatives after using them; transition from desks to groups quickly and quietly). This will not only remind student of the importance of the procedure or routine, but they will understand the rationale behind it, as opposed to following random instructions or capricious teacher whims.
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