Do you often find yourself repeating the same directions over and over throughout the day? Using Visual Directions in the Classroom has been a game changer for my first graders!
Visual direction cards are an amazing classroom management strategy for helping students follow step-by-step instructions! Visual reminders using pictures allow your students to be more independent and stay on task!
Using Digital Boards to Display Visual Cues
In my first grade classroom, I love using a Digital Visual Direction Board to display on my Smart Board while students work. It is so easy to create, and I can quickly edit a board to fit the activity perfectly!
Instead of hearing a million of the same questions over and over, using the board helps my sweet first graders to complete the activities independently. Students know that when they are confused, they can always check the board to see what to do next! This allows me to meet with small groups or individual students!
Creating Your Boards
How to Create your Own Visual Directions and Objectives Boards:
- Choose a template that fits your needs! (Over 70 options!)
- Copy and Paste the Direction or Supply Icons you would like to use onto your board (100+ Icons included with and without text!)
- Optional – Add a timer!
Check out How I quickly create a board below!
Using Printable Picture Cards
I also included printable picture cards if you would rather laminate and cut out cards for a white board or bulletin board! I love using the supply cards to show what materials students will need for a lesson!
Learning Objective Boards
Along with the templates for creating step-by-step direction boards, I also created Daily Learning Objective Boards for each subject! Each week, I type our learning goal or I can Statement into the editable box, then quickly add what supplies my students will need for the lesson! Then, before the lesson, I display the objective board so students know what to have out and ready!
At the beginning of each lesson, we read and discuss the I Can statement together!
Using Visual Directions for Whole Group Activities
When I introduce a new activity to students, I always display the directions on the board and we go over the steps together. Then, while students work, I leave the board up on the screen for students to refer back to!
Using Visual Directions for Small Group
Another way I use visual directions in the classroom is during my small group instruction time. I love using supply picture cards to show students what materials they will need at the teacher table. This helps them remember what they need to bring with them, so we have fewer disruptions during our small group lessons!
Using Visual Directions for Centers
If I have a newer center that I am introducing to my students, One of my favorite ways to help them complete the activity independently is by using visual directions!
I create a directions board and print it to include with the center so that students can refer back to it while working with their partner or small group!
Mini Charts for Individual Students
We all know that there are some students who need a few extra reminders from us! For these students, I make personal mini charts for some of the daily activities that they might struggle with. Giving them a visual for some of our daily routines has helped so much with their independence!
Want to create Visual Direction Boards for your own classroom?
Check out my Editable Digital Visual Direction Slides!
Use this Digital Visual Directions and Learning Objectives Board to create and display your own slides to give students visual support to complete activities throughout the day!
This resource is customizable so that you can create a board with your specific classroom directions! Copy and Paste icons and timers make it easy to build a board perfect for your classroom!
Included:
- Step-by Step Instructions for creating your visual direction slides.
- 80+ Clipart Visual Direction and Supply Icons without text
- 90+ Clipart Visual Direction and Supply Icons with text
- TIMERS – 1 minute, 5 minute, 10 minute, 15 minute, 20 minute, 25 minute, 30 minute (JUST COPY AND PASTE!)
- I Can Visual Direction Slides Templates (3-8 Steps Included)
- I Can/ I Need Slide Templates
- Objective/ I need Slide Templates
- Objective Slide Templates for Math, Reading, Literacy, Writing, Phonics, Science, Social Studies
- Printable Visual Direction Cards
- Printable Mini Charts – Editable
- Google Slides Option
- Direction and Supply icons include options with words and without words!
Other ideas for using Visual Directions in the Classroom
I love using Visual Directions to help my students complete their morning procedures independently! To learn more, check out my blog post 5 Tips for a Calm Morning Routine in the Classroom
I hope this gives you some ideas for implementing visual directions in the classroom!
