Follow Directions Worksheet

This follow directions worksheet helps students practice one of the most important school skills: reading a direction carefully and doing exactly what it says. Following directions means paying attention to every detail, such as what to draw, which color to use, and where it belongs.

About This Worksheet

Students look at a grid of nine boxes with a backpack in the center box. They read six numbered sentences, and each one names a color, a shape, and a position, such as above, below, to the left of, to the right of, the top right box, or the bottom left box. Children draw each colored shape in the correct box. Because every sentence has three parts, students must slow down and check each detail before they draw.

What’s Included

• A 3 by 3 grid with a backpack picture in the center box
• Six multi-step directions using color, shape, and position words
• A complete answer key showing every shape in its correct box and color

Why It Helps Kids

First, it builds careful reading, because a child who skims will pick the wrong color or the wrong box. Second, it strengthens position vocabulary like above, below, left, and right, which students use in math, maps, and everyday life. Third, it gives quick, visible feedback, since the answer key shows at a glance whether each direction was followed.

Ideas for Teachers and Parents

Model the first sentence aloud and point to each part: the color, the shape, and the position. Then let students finish on their own. This 2nd grade following directions worksheet works well for morning work, a listening center, or a quick check after a lesson on position words. For an extra challenge, have partners write new directions for each other using the empty boxes. Pair this follow directions worksheet with the resources below.

Related Resources

• Following Directions Tasks Worksheet
• Following Directions Coloring Worksheet
• Position Words Activity
• Respect Song (Classroom Mix Version)