The Teachers' Room: Top tips for giving instructions

Badly given instructions can completely undermine and ruin an interesting, engaging or fun activity. If you have time beforehand, plan what you want to say. Aim to keep your language as short and simple as possible and grade it for your class' level. You wouldn't instruct an elementary student in the same way as an intermediate or advanced student. Think 'What is the minimum amount of information they need to know to be able to do this task.