Following Directions Word Search and Puzzle Set

Following Directions Words word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this following directions puzzle set for my 1st and 2nd graders during our listening and life skills unit. The kids could follow simple commands but had no idea what words like first, next, or finally meant when we talked about order and directions. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like first, next, then, finally, before, after, now, later, listen, look, point, read, write, and circle. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the directions vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether "then" and "next" mean the same thing. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple arrow and checkmark drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 2nd grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write three steps in order for something they do every day on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.