How to Make Following Directions Fun This Summer: 5 Engaging Ideas for SLPs and Teachers Using Boom Cards
Following directions during summer speech therapy can be tough. Between beach day dreams and shorter attention spans, getting students to focus on multi-step tasks is no small feat. But what if following directions didn’t feel like work?
In this post, I’m sharing five quick, effective strategies that make practicing 2-step sequential directions in speech therapy during the summer fun—with a little help from one of my favorite digital tools: Summer-Themed Boom Cards. Whether you’re an SLP, special education teacher, or early elementary educator, these ideas will help you keep kids engaged while building key listening and language skills.
🧍♀️ 1. Start with Movement-Based Practice
Before you even touch a screen, get kids up and moving! Using real-life movement helps anchor language concepts and supports body awareness.
Try this:
“Stand next to the beach ball, then clap your hands.”
“First sit on the towel, then point to the sun.”
💡 Tip: You can use simple props like beach towels, sunglasses, or plastic buckets to add excitement and context.
🎧 2. Bring in Audio with Boom Cards
Students often benefit from auditory modeling, especially when working on receptive language and listening comprehension during your summer speech therapy sessions. That’s why I love using my 2-Step Summer Boom Cards—the directions are read aloud by a child’s voice, which makes it more natural and relatable.
Each card gives two sequential steps using prepositions (e.g., “Put the pineapple on the towel then click on the girl”). Students must complete both steps correctly in the right order to move forward, encouraging attention, memory, and sequencing.
✔️ Bonus: They're self-correcting, so students get instant feedback!
🏖️ 3. Make It Summer-Themed
Turn your therapy room or classroom into a mini beach during your summer speech therapy sessions! Using thematic vocabulary creates context and boosts engagement.
Ideas:
Use beach-themed visuals (real or illustrated)
Pair directions with summer stories (e.g., “Froggy Goes to the Beach”)
Have students create their own “summer scenes” using craft or digital tools, then give each other directions using prepositions
🧠 Why it works: Kids are more likely to internalize language when it’s connected to familiar, high-interest themes.
🎲 4. Turn It into a Game
Gamification keeps students coming back for more. Here are a few ways to add fun and friendly competition to following directions during your summer speech therapy sessions:
Beat the Clock: Set a timer and challenge students to complete five 2-step tasks before time runs out.
Partner Play: One student reads the direction, the other follows.
Tally Points: Earn a sticker or token for each correct response and “cash in” for a small prize.
🧩 Combine these ideas with the Boom Cards to create rotating stations or choice boards!
🔁 5. Reinforce During Daily Routines
Don’t wait for a dedicated “language block.” Opportunities to practice following directions are everywhere!
Examples:
“Before snack, place your cup next to your plate, then sit behind the table.”
“Line up between the cones, then hand me your folder.”
Even short moments can reinforce prepositions and sequential steps when they’re woven into routines.
💬 Real Teacher Solution: A Tool That Brings It All Together
These Summer-Themed 2-Step Direction Boom Cards are my go-to for teaching spatial concepts, following directions, and supporting auditory processing goals. Whether you're working 1:1, in small groups, or remotely, they're ready-to-go and super engaging.
🤔 Share Your Strategy!
How do you keep direction-following practice fresh in the summer? Have a favorite beach-themed activity or game?
Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram (@special.ed.slp)—I’d love to feature your ideas!
💬 Want My Summer Theme Following Directions For Free?
If you’d like to try these Summer Theme 1-2-Step Direction Coloring Printable with your students, I’d love to send them to you—for FREE! 🎉
They’re perfect for targeting:
🔸 Prepositions
🔸 Receptive language
🔸 Auditory processing
🔸 Sequential directions
🔸 Summer-themed vocabulary
🎁 Just subscribe to my email list, and you’ll get instant access to this engaging, no-prep resource:
👉 Click here to subscribe and get your free Summer Theme Following Directions Printable!
🤔 Your Turn!
What are your favorite ways to practice directions in the summer?
Do you have a go-to game or beach-themed idea?
Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to feature your tips!
