How to Follow Directions for Activities in Middle School

Students often work together to complete activities in middle school classes.

The key to success in a school activity is to follow the directions given to you. Activities are a fun break from repetitive worksheets and textbook problems, and students are often encouraged to work in small groups where you can work together and socialize about your studies. The teacher will provide the essential materials and a series of instructions to complete the activity, but it is up to you to use the resources to pass the assignment.

Instructions

1. Read carefully through every step of the instructions. Pay attention to the specific details of every part of the assignment. Otherwise, you may leave out a necessary part of the assignment, or worse, you could ruin a part of the activity that you need for a later step. If your teacher is reading the directions to your class, stay focused and avoid distractions. You can worry about questions once the teacher has finished explaining the activity.

2. Work together with your fellow students. Don't take charge and demand the co-operation of others. If your group needs some direction, work alongside the others and avoid the temptation to tell everyone else what to do. Make sure everyone in the group has a contribution to the activity. If the assignment is not a group activity, respect your peers and don't cheat by glancing at their progress.

3. Ask your teacher if you have any specific questions. When in doubt, don't just guess how to complete a particular step. Asking for help can only help your grade; there are no penalties for asking for help when it comes to understanding the directions on an assignment.