You know that feeling when you’ve asked your kid to put on their shoes for the fifth time, and they’re still staring at the wall like you’re speaking ancient Greek? I’ve been there. We all have. Getting kids to actually hear what we say—let alone do it—can feel like negotiating with a tiny, stubborn alien.
But here’s the thing: following instructions is a skill. And like any skill, it needs practice. The good news? You can ditch the nagging and turn it into a game. I’ve rounded up ten of my favorite follow instructions activities for kids that are basically “listen and do” workouts disguised as fun.
Ready to transform your little listener (or non-listener :/) into a pro? Let’s get to it.
Why “Listen and Do” Activities Are a Secret Parenting Weapon
Before we jump into the list, let’s chat about why this matters. Ever wondered why some kids can follow a three-step direction at school but fall apart the second they walk through the front door?
Listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about processing information, focusing attention, and executing a plan. These activities strengthen those neural pathways. Plus, they save your voice from all that repeating. I consider that a massive parenting win.
1. The Classic “Simon Says”
You probably saw this coming, right? But hold on—don’t roll your eyes just yet. Simon Says is a classic for a reason. It forces kids to listen to the whole instruction before moving.
How We Play It Differently
I like to spice it up by being the trickiest Simon ever. I’ll say, “Simon says touch your nose,” and do it myself. Then, “Simon says hop on one foot,” and I’ll stand still. The goal is to watch them like a hawk.
If I just say, “Clap your hands!” without the magic words “Simon says,” and they clap? They’re out (or they just owe me a silly dance—I’m not strict about “out” because I want them playing, not crying).
The beauty of this game is the active listening it requires. They can’t just mimic me; they have to process my words. It’s a brain workout with giggles.
2. The “Beat the Timer” Cleanup
This isn’t just an activity; it’s survival. I use this almost daily. The premise is simple: give a clear instruction and set a timer.
Making It Work
I’ll say, “In the next five minutes, I need you to put all the blue blocks in this bucket and all the books on the shelf. Go!”
- Use a visual timer. There’s something about watching the red disappear that lights a fire under kids.
- Make it a race. “Let’s see if you can beat the timer before I finish putting away the dishes!” I’ve found that my own competitive streak helps here—I genuinely try to beat them, and they love it.
It teaches them to listen to a multi-step direction and work within a time constraint. And hey, the living room gets clean. Win-win.
3. Red Light, Green Light
Remember playing this in the schoolyard? It’s perfect for practicing impulse control, which is basically listening with your body.
The Listening Twist
The rules are simple:
- Green Light: Run or walk fast.
- Yellow Light: Slow motion.
- Red Light: Stop immediately.
Here’s where I add my personal touch: I’ll try to trick them. I’ll say “Green light!” in a whisper, or I’ll start saying “Red… strawberries!” to see if they stop at “Red” or wait for the whole word. It teaches them to listen for the specific cue word, not just the sound of my voice. IMO, this is one of the most effective listen and do activities for burning off energy while sharpening focus.
4. Directed Drawing Sessions
This is my secret weapon on rainy afternoons. I give instructions, and they have to follow them to create a picture.
How to Direct a Drawing
I’ll say something like:
- “Take a blue crayon and draw a big circle in the middle of the paper.”
- “Now, using your green crayon, draw a small triangle on top of the circle.”
- “Add two small squares at the bottom of the circle for feet.”
The hilarious part? Seeing the interpretations. I once ended up with a “monster” that looked suspiciously like our cat. It’s fantastic for language processing. They have to listen to the shape, the color, and the location all in one sentence. Plus, you get fridge-worthy art at the end.
5. The “Grocery Store” Scavenger Hunt
I refuse to let good parenting moments die at home. The grocery store is a goldmine for instruction-following.
Turn Boring Errands into Games
Before we go in, I give them a mission. Depending on their age, it might be:
- “Find me three apples and put them in this bag.”
- “I need a can of corn. It’s in aisle 4. Can you lead the way and grab one?”
- “Find something that is round, red, and we eat for a snack.” (Tomatoes!)
It keeps them engaged and focused amidst the chaos of the store. FYI, it also prevents the “I’m bored” whining that usually starts two minutes into the trip. They’re listening for specific items and using their working memory to hold onto that task.
6. Obstacle Course Commands
Kids love climbing over stuff. Why not make them listen first?
Setting It Up
You don’t need fancy equipment. Use pillows, chairs, and blankets.
I’ll stand at the “start” and give them a sequence:
- “Crawl under the table.”
- “Hop over the red pillow.”
- “Do three spins by the couch.”
- “Come back and give me a high-five.”
They have to remember the sequence and execute it. I love watching them run through it, sometimes stopping mid-crawl to remember if they were supposed to hop or spin next. It builds auditory memory in the most physical way possible.
7. Story Time with a Twist (Clap When You Hear…)
Reading aloud is a given, but we can level it up.
The Listening Challenge
Pick a favorite book. Before you start, give an instruction:
- “Every time you hear the word ‘bear,’ I want you to clap your hands.”
- “When I say the character’s name, stomp your foot.”
- “If you hear the animal sound, roar as loud as you can!”
It transforms them from passive listeners into active participants. They hang on every word, waiting for their cue. I tried this with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and by the end, we were all a mess of claps, stomps, and roars. It proves that listening doesn’t have to be a quiet, still activity.
8. The “Silent” Instruction Game
This one requires zero talking from you. Sounds impossible, right? It’s actually hilarious.
How to Play Without Words
You act out or hold up visual cues for instructions. For example:
- Hold up one finger: “Stand up.”
- Hold up two fingers: “Turn around.”
- Point to your ear: “Touch your ear.”
- Point to the door: “Walk to the door.”
The kids have to watch and interpret the instructions. It’s a great exercise in paying attention to non-verbal cues, which is a huge part of listening. My kids usually end up in fits of laughter because I’m terrible at charades, and they’re genuinely confused about whether my flailing means “jump” or “I’m having a seizure.” It’s quality entertainment.
9. Recipe Time: Edible Instructions
Cooking with kids is messy. I won’t lie to you. But it is also the ultimate multi-step instruction manual.
Following a Recipe
Choose something simple, like no-bake cookies or decorating their own pizza.
The instructions are clear and sequential:
- “First, spread the sauce on the dough.”
- “Next, sprinkle the cheese, but don’t eat it all.” (Spoiler: they will eat it all.)
- “Finally, put three pepperonis on top.”
They have to listen to the step, do it, and then wait for the next instruction. The immediate feedback is great—if they miss the step about putting the crust on the pan, you have a mess. If they follow it, you get a snack. I find the promise of food is a powerful motivator for even the most reluctant listener.
10. The “What’s Different?” Challenge
This is a great calm-down activity. It works on listening for details.
Playing the Game
Have your child look at a room or a table setting. Then, they close their eyes (or you cover their head with a blanket).
You give a verbal instruction change:
- “I am moving the red cup next to the lamp.”
- “I am taking away the blue pillow.”
They open their eyes and have to identify what changed based on your instructions.
Alternatively, you can do it the other way. You change something without telling them, and they have to spot it and then tell you what changed. It forces them to use descriptive language and listen to each other’s observations. It’s a quieter activity, but I think it’s one of the most powerful for teaching mindful attention.
Making These Activities Work for Your Family
Look, I get it. You’re tired. The last thing you want to do is orchestrate a complicated game. The secret here isn’t to schedule “instruction time.” It’s to weave these into your day.
- Keep it short. Five minutes of Simon Says while waiting for dinner to cook is perfect.
- Praise the effort. When they follow through, even if it’s not perfect, I make a big deal out of it. “Wow, you listened to all those steps! That was amazing focus!” This builds their confidence.
- Laugh off the failures. When they completely bomb an instruction because they were busy staring at a dust bunny, I try (key word: try) to laugh about it with them. “Well, that didn’t work! Let’s try that again.”
A Quick Note on Age and Expectations
A 3-year-old cannot handle a four-step instruction. Their brains aren’t wired for it yet. Keep it simple. “Please get your shoe.” That’s it. As they get older, you can add more steps. Meeting them where they are at developmentally saves everyone a lot of frustration. Seriously, it’s a game changer.
Why This Beats Yelling “Listen!” a Hundred Times
I used to just repeat myself louder and slower, as if volume was the issue. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Kids need to practice the skill of listening, just like they need to practice riding a bike. These follow instructions activities give them that practice in a low-stakes, high-fun way.
You’re not just getting them to put away toys or draw a circle. You’re teaching them to focus, process information, and follow through. And honestly, you’re saving your sanity. The next time you need them to actually hear you, try framing it as a game instead of a command. You might be surprised.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my kid to play “Red Light, Green Light” in the backyard. I fully plan on winning. 😉
Got a favorite listening game that I missed? I’m always on the hunt for new ways to trick my kids into being good listeners—share it in the comments!
