Topic 4: Modeling and Communication

Things to keep in mind as you are giving directions to children:

• Children are very literal.
• Children are very visual.
• There is nothing wrong with repeating directions.
• Demonstrate what you want them to do even if it seems obvious.

If a game doesn’t go the way you planned, consider that there was a mistake in communication. Stop the game and go through the directions again. When explaining games and giving directions:

• Make sure your directions are clear and concise
• Avoid using vague terms
• Know that pronunciation will make a difference in their understanding
• Choose your words carefully because this will impact the ability to understand
• Make time before class to prepare concise and clear directions. This will help you keep things simple and easy
• Use simple terms, but remember that no matter how simple it seems to you, it might not be simple to them

Consider giving them a quiz to reinforce the directions:

• What will you do with the ball?
• How many balls can you have in your hand at a time?
• Can you go past this line of cones?
• What do you do if you run out of balls?
• Can you stand here and throw there?

Safety is the most important thing you will do!

• Remind the children that safety is first
• That means following directions
• That means using listening skills
• Remind them to listen to your words while you are giving directions because that will help keep them safe.
• Explain that anyone acting unsafely will have to stop playing the game
• If you say stop they must stop

In the end: always communicate with a smile and enthusiasm. A little silliness never hurts either, but not too much. Always offer praise where it is deserved and if it can be specific, even better.