"I do it---We do it---You do it." Giving Directions only Once!

Have you ever given directions or told somebody something only to look at them and see their eyes staring off into space? 

Have you ever asked somebody to do something and five minutes later, it's still not done? 

I loved teaching middle school.  But this happened so much.  I think a lot of times, teachers expect middle school students who are older than elementary aged kids to be able to listen and behave better.  What people don't understand is everything that students are going through.  Sometimes there are issues at home or at school with friends;  and in the case of almost all middle school kids, there is something going on with their bodies that can be awfully distracting. 

So, when the time comes for you to give directions or instructions, how do you do it?  I remember I've been so frustrated before when I told students their assignment, only to have to go to every single student in the class and explain it individually.  

Here are some tips that I learned through the years that help me:
1)  Have the directions written out some place that all students can see (on the white board or SmartBoard)
2)  Break the directions down into steps.  (Step 1, Step 2)
3)  When you read each step, make the class chorally read with you.  
4)  Do each step at a time.  Show the students how you will do it.  Ask the students in class to tell you what to write on an example.  Give the students the direction to do it themselves. 
5)  Check for understanding by monitoring. 

Sometimes giving directions can be really time consuming, but if you're doing a big project or class assignment, you can afford the time to take 5 minutes to give directions.  You probably don't want to take the time to give directions like this to students who are answering comprehension questions.  When you do a new type of assignment though, this is a really good idea.  Remember:  Teaching your students how to do everything in your classroom will result in less frustration for you and your students.  It will also help you manage and teach your classroom more efficiently.  Good luck!