Why Left-or-Right Directions works

Left-or-Right Directions works best as one connected sequence built around reasoning that can be explained from visible clues or rules. Choose left or right directions relative to a fixed viewpoint and use them to move a token through a simple route. Begin by asking the child to face the route from the agreed orientation, and let that result prepare them to move the token to the first junction.

Set up — Face the route from the agreed orientation

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to face the route from the agreed orientation. Make sure that opening step is comfortable before the child moves on to move the token to the first junction. Use age-appropriate pieces and avoid small loose parts for children who may mouth objects during the opening attempt to face the route from the agreed orientation.

Step 2 — Move the token to the first junction

Let the child move the token to the first junction and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to choose left or right and say the direction before moving.

Step 3 — Choose left or right and say the direction before moving

One careful attempt to choose left or right and say the direction before moving is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to continue to the next junction without rotating the paper, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to move the token to the first junction.

Step 4 — Continue to the next junction without rotating the paper

Use the result of asking the child to continue to the next junction without rotating the paper as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to check the final location against the intended goal until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 5 — Check the final location against the intended goal

Ask the child to check the final location against the intended goal. Compare what happens with the earlier step to continue to the next junction without rotating the paper, then continue by asking them to check the final location against the intended goal once the difference is clear.

What to notice before Check the final location against the intended goal

Do not judge the activity only by whether the sequence reaches the point where the instruction is to check the final location against the intended goal. Pay attention to which clue, position, or relationship supports the answer during the transition from choose left or right and say the direction before moving to continue to the next junction without rotating the paper.

Make Choose left or right and say the… easier or harder

If the child loses the thread while trying to choose left or right and say the direction before moving, use fewer items and make the relevant difference more obvious. When that step is secure, add one plausible distractor, remove one cue, or ask the child to explain the rule without changing the setup that leads to continue to the next junction without rotating the paper.

Finish after Check the final location against the intended goal

Check the final location against the intended goal. When that step is complete, Left-or-Right Directions has done what it was designed to do. Browse the activity search for a different mechanic, or use the activity generator.