Pre-school Topics, Block 5, Week 42: We can follow two or three-step instructions because we understand language

Language

Week 42
We can follow two or three-step instructions because we understand language

Language is a non-instinctive system of spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by which human beings express ideas, emotions, and desires. Language is a huge part of the preciousness of our humanity. Animal communication is the transfer of information by sounds, scents, and motions from the sender to the receiver that affects current behavior. It can impact future behavior, too. It is generally instinctive.

Point to emphasize
At three and four years old we can easily follow 2 or 3-step instructions because we understand language.

References

Proverbs 1:8—Hear, my son, the instruction of you father, / And do not reject the teaching of your mother.
Proverbs 13:1a—A wise son hears his father’s instruction…

Sample content and conversation with children

Today we are going to talk about how God made us in such a special way that we can understand words and follow instructions.
Start with the song, “I’m gonna stand up, sit down.” Then you can say, “Wow, so I noticed you all are very good at following instructions. When the song said, “I’m gonna stand up,” you all stood up. When the song said, “sit down,” you all sat down. And then when the song said, ‘clap your hands,’ you all clapped your hands. You all were very good at listening and following the instructions in the song!”
We use language to communicate with one another. Because we can listen and understand language, we can do exactly what we were told!
You can follow-up with another following instructions activity (either using body movements or a craft-type of activity)

1. Option one: Body movement.
  I’ll give you a one-step instruction. You all will listen very closely so you can do exactly what I am asking you to do. “Clap your hands,” “Tap your head” etc. Very good! This was easy to do, right?! Even 1 and 2-year-olds can do this! But, how about if I give you a 2-step simple instruction; can you listen, understand, and do exactly as I say? Let’s practice: “Blink your eye and say hello”, “Wiggle your fingers and say your name.” etc. That was harder right?! Can we try following 3-step instructions? Let’s give it a try! “Clap your hands, tap your head and say your name” etc.

1. Option two: Have the children bring a piece of paper and some crayons (will need to email parents ahead of time to have the materials ready)
  You can say, “Everyone fold your hands in your lap. Listen carefully. I will give you an instruction and then you will follow the instructions.” You can start with a 1-step instruction like, “draw a line” and then have all the children show what they drew. Now we can do a 2-step instruction: “Now find a yellow crayon and draw a circle.” And now a 3-step instruction: “Now color the circle yellow, draw lots of lines that come out of the circle, and show me your picture.” “What do you think it is?” [*Note: Serving ones could also be drawing at the same time so that it gives the children a reference of what they are doing or show picture #1.] “Very good! Because you understand what I’m saying, you were able to follow directions.”

Dogs don’t understand language so they can’t follow directions like we can. Dogs have to be trained by using food as a reward to follow even a one-word or simple command. [Show picture #2 and tell the children how the dog responds to commands when followed by a treat or show video #1.]
What is this dog doing? Dogs do not understand what the word “sit” actually means but they just know that if they put their bottom on the floor, they will get a treat. There is no understanding of what it is being asked to do. It just responds to the reward.
If you give a dog a 3-step instruction, “put your toy away, get the shoes, and come to the door,” do you think they can do it? No, they wouldn’t understand what that means. They might be able to do a simple command because they have been trained and would need a treat to do so.
But we are not like dogs! God made us with the kind of brain that understands words so we can follow many-step instructions! I am so glad that God created us in such a special way!

Songs
I’m Gonna Stand Up, Sit Down [*Start the lesson with this song]

Suggested Activities/Craft:

Simon Says: Use a mix of standard instructions (touch your nose; stand on one leg) and action instructions (hop on one leg; give the teacher a high five). Adjusting instructions to include more complex actions as you progress in the game will help to keep children engaged.
Green Light Red Light (in person game)
- Start with everyone along the starting line,
- When you say ‘Green Light‘ everyone will move towards the finish line,
- When you say ‘Red Light‘ everyone must immediately stop. …
- Start a new round when everyone gets across the finish line or when most players make it across the finish line

Videos
#1: Dog follows 1 simple command when given a reward

(https://www.youtube.com/embed/QuRWQP72mIQ?rel=0)

Pictures
#1: Yellow sun for activity of following instructions
#2: Dog follows 1 simple command when given a reward

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