When you can follow oral instructions, you can:

• Learn how to use new devices at home and school
• Make things by listening to teachers or parents
• Play games with friends by understanding the rules
• Complete tasks correctly without needing written directions

Follow these steps when someone gives you oral instructions:

1. Listen carefully – Pay full attention to the speaker. Do not talk while someone is giving instructions.
2. Remember the steps – Listen for words like first, next, then, finally, and last.
3. Ask if you are unsure – If you do not understand, politely ask the speaker to repeat or explain.
4. Do the task step by step – Complete one step before moving to the next.
5. Check your work – Make sure you have done everything correctly.

Listen to these instructions on how to operate a radio:

Step 1: Find the power button. Look for the button labelled "power" or the power-on symbol ⏻ on the radio.

Step 2: Press the power button to turn on the radio. This will turn the radio on and allow you to hear sound.

Step 3: Turn the volume knob from left to right to increase the volume.

Step 4: Use the tuning knob to find your favourite station. Slowly turn the knob until you hear the station you want to listen to.

Step 5: Press the power button again to turn the radio off when you finish listening. This saves energy and keeps the radio safe.

Now, follow these steps to practice operating a radio or similar device at home or school.

Listen to the instructions for making a simple paper craft:

First: Get a sheet of coloured paper, scissors, and glue.

Next: Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.

Then: Draw a simple shape like a heart or flower on the folded paper.

After that: Cut out the shape while the paper is still folded.

Finally: Open the paper and glue it to a piece of cardboard to display your craft.

By following these oral instructions carefully, you can create a beautiful paper craft!

When following oral instructions, pay special attention to these sequence words:

• First – the beginning step
• Next – the second step
• Then – what comes after
• After that – what happens next
• Finally – the last step
• Last – the end step

These words help you know the order of the steps.

• Sit quietly and look at the speaker when instructions are being given.
• Do not rush to start until you hear all the instructions.
• If you forget a step, ask the speaker to repeat it.
• Practice following instructions with simple tasks first, then try harder tasks.
• Work with a friend to practice giving and following instructions together.

In everyday life in Tanzania, you will often need to follow oral instructions. For example, when you go to a market like Mwinyi JK or a duka in your village, the shopkeeper may give you oral instructions on how to use a mobile money service to send or receive money. By listening carefully and following the steps in order, you can complete the transaction correctly and avoid mistakes. This skill also helps when parents or teachers ask you to help with tasks at home, such as setting up a small garden or operating a torch during a power outage.