Lancaster instrucition giving

instruction giving script

INSTRUCTION-GIVING SCRIPT TO MEMORISE INTRODUCTION (Say this every time)

"Hello, my name is [NAME]. Today I'm going to help you with [TASK].

Before we begin, can I just check - have you done anything like this before?

Can you see [the materials/map/image]? And can you confirm you cannot see [what they shouldn't see]?

Do you have everything you need?

Great. I'm going to guide you through this step-by-step. Please ask questions at any point if something isn't clear. Are you ready to start?

[IF SAFETY RELEVANT: Before we start, just be aware that [SAFETY POINT] so we stay safe.]"

MIDDLE SECTION (Adapt to your task)

"Let's start by identifying our starting point. [DESCRIBE STARTING POINT]. Can you confirm you're positioned there?

Perfect. Now, [FIRST INSTRUCTION]. You should see [LANDMARK/FEATURE] - this tells you you're on the right track. Have you got that?

Great. Next, [SECOND INSTRUCTION]. At this point you'll notice [LANDMARK/FEATURE]. Does that make sense?

Now [THIRD INSTRUCTION]. You're looking for [LANDMARK/FEATURE]. Can you see that?

[CONTINUE PATTERN FOR EACH STEP]

How are you getting on? Can you tell me what you're seeing/doing now?

That's right, well done.

[IF THEY MAKE A MISTAKE: No worries at all, let's just go back a step. From where you are now, try...]

[CHECK THROUGHOUT: Does that make sense? Any questions before we continue?]"

END SECTION (Say this every time)

"Excellent! You've completed the task.

Let me just quickly summarise the key steps we took: [RECAP 3-4 MAIN POINTS].

Before we finish - how confident do you feel about what we just did?

Was there any part that wasn't clear?

Do you think you could do this again on your own?

Well done, you did really well. Thank you for following my instructions so carefully."

SCENARIO 1: GIVING DIRECTIONS (Map/Route Guidance)

"Let's start by identifying our starting point. You're currently at [LOCATION/LANDMARK]. You're facing [DIRECTION]. Can you confirm you're positioned there?

Perfect. Now, [WALK/HEAD/GO] [DIRECTION - left/right/straight/north] along [PATH/STREET/CORRIDOR]. You'll [WALK/TRAVEL] for about [TIME/DISTANCE] and you should [SEE/NOTICE/PASS] [LANDMARK/FEATURE] on your [LEFT/RIGHT]. This tells you you're on the right track. Have you got that?

Great. [CONTINUE/KEEP GOING] [STRAIGHT/FORWARD] until you reach [LANDMARK/INTERSECTION/JUNCTION]. At this point you'll notice [FEATURE/OPTION/SIGN]. Does that make sense?

Now, [TURN/GO] [LEFT/RIGHT] [AT/ONTO/TOWARDS] [LANDMARK/PATH/STREET]. You're looking for [LANDMARK/FEATURE/SIGN]. Can you see that?

[CONTINUE/PROCEED/KEEP GOING] [DIRECTION] and you'll [PASS/SEE/REACH] [LANDMARK] on your [LEFT/RIGHT]. After that, [TAKE/TURN] the [FIRST/SECOND/NEXT] [TURN/PATH] [LEFT/RIGHT].

How are you getting on? Can you tell me where you are now?

That's right, well done. You're almost there.

Finally, [CONTINUE/GO/WALK] until you see [FINAL LANDMARK]. Your destination is [DESCRIPTION]. You should be able to see it now."

ACTION VERBS: Walk, go, head, turn, continue, proceed, pass, reach, cross, follow, move, travel

LANDMARKS: Street, building, sign, lights, junction, corner, intersection, roundabout, bridge, park

DIRECTIONS: Left, right, straight, forward, north, south, east, west

SCENARIO 2: MAKING/PREPARING FOOD OR DRINK

MIDDLE SECTION:

"[IF SAFETY: Before we start, just be aware that [EQUIPMENT] gets very hot / has sharp parts, so we need to be careful not to touch [PART] when it's on / in use. Also, keep it away from water. Okay?]

Let's start with the [EQUIPMENT/APPLIANCE]. Can you see the [EQUIPMENT] in front of you? First, [CHECK/ENSURE/VERIFY] that it's [PLUGGED IN/TURNED ON/CONNECTED/READY]. Is that done?

Great. Now, [TAKE/GET/PICK UP] [INGREDIENT/ITEM] from the [LOCATION/CONTAINER]. [HOLD/PLACE/POSITION] it [LOCATION/POSITION]. Have you done that?

Perfect. Now, [LOOK AT/EXAMINE/FIND] the [PART/FEATURE] of the [EQUIPMENT]. You'll see [DESCRIPTION - slots/buttons/dial/handle]. Can you see that?

Excellent. Now, [PLACE/INSERT/PUT/ADD] the [ITEM/INGREDIENT] [INTO/ONTO/INSIDE] the [LOCATION/PART]. [PUSH/PRESS/POSITION] it so it's [DESCRIPTION]. Don't force it. Have you done that?

Great. Now, [LOOK AT/LOCATE/FIND] the [CONTROL - lever/button/switch/dial]. This is usually on the [LOCATION]. Can you see it?

Perfect. [PRESS/PUSH/TURN/PULL] that [CONTROL] [DIRECTION - down/up/clockwise] until you [HEAR/SEE/FEEL] [RESULT - click/light/resistance]. The [EQUIPMENT] should now be [ON/WORKING/HEATING]. Did you [HEAR/SEE] that?

Excellent. Now we [WAIT/LET IT COOK/LET IT HEAT]. The [EQUIPMENT] will automatically [ACTION] when it's done - this usually takes about [TIME]. You'll [HEAR/SEE] [SIGNAL]. Don't touch the [EQUIPMENT] while we're waiting as it's hot.

How are you getting on? Can you [SEE/HEAR/SMELL] the [PROCESS] happening?

[AFTER COMPLETION] Great! The [ITEM] has [FINISHED/POPPED UP/BOILED]. Now, carefully [REMOVE/TAKE OUT/LIFT] the [ITEM] from the [EQUIPMENT]. Be careful - it might be hot. You can use [TOOL/METHOD] to [REMOVE] it, but don't touch the [HOT PARTS].

Well done! Now you can [ADD/PLACE/SERVE] it [ONTO/INTO] [PLATE/CUP/BOWL]."

ACTION VERBS: Take, place, insert, add, pour, stir, mix, press, push, turn, remove, lift, check, wait, heat, cook, serve

EQUIPMENT: Toaster, kettle, microwave, oven, pan, pot, blender, mixer, plate, bowl, cup

CONTROLS: Button, lever, dial, switch, handle, knob, setting

SCENARIO 3: DRAWING OR CREATING VISUAL ART

MIDDLE SECTION:

"I'm going to describe [OBJECT/SCENE/SHAPE] and I'll guide you through drawing it step by step. I'll work from [BOTTOM TO TOP/LEFT TO RIGHT/CENTRE OUTWARDS]. Do you have a [PENCIL/PEN/CRAYON] ready?

Great. Let's start [AT THE BOTTOM/AT THE TOP/IN THE CENTRE] of your page, roughly [POSITION - in the centre/on the left]. [DRAW/SKETCH/CREATE] a [SHAPE - square/circle/line] about [SIZE - palm-sized/5cm/half the page]. The [BOTTOM/TOP/LEFT] of the [SHAPE] should be about [POSITION/DISTANCE] from the [EDGE/CORNER] of the page. Have you drawn that?

Perfect. Now, [ON TOP OF/NEXT TO/BESIDE/ABOVE/BELOW] that [SHAPE], we're going to [ADD/DRAW/CREATE] a [SHAPE]. Start at the [POSITION - top left corner/centre] of your [PREVIOUS SHAPE] and [DRAW/SKETCH] a [TYPE OF LINE - diagonal/curved/straight] line going [DIRECTION - up/down/left/right], [STOPPING/ENDING] roughly [POSITION/DISTANCE]. Does that make sense?

Good. Now from that point, [DRAW/CONTINUE/CREATE] a [LINE/CURVE/SHAPE] going [DIRECTION], [ENDING/STOPPING] at the [POSITION] of your [ORIGINAL SHAPE]. You should now have a [RESULTING SHAPE] [POSITION - sitting on top of/beside]. Can you tell me what you have so far?

Excellent, that sounds right. Now let's [ADD/CREATE/DRAW] [FEATURE/DETAIL]. In the [POSITION - bottom centre/top left] of your [SHAPE], [DRAW/SKETCH] a [SMALLER/LARGER] [SHAPE] about [SIZE - a third of the width/2cm] and about [SIZE] [HIGH/WIDE/TALL]. This is [WHAT IT REPRESENTS]. Have you got that?

Great. Now let's [ADD/CREATE] [MORE FEATURES]. [DRAW/SKETCH] a [SHAPE] in the [POSITION] section of your [MAIN SHAPE] - not right in the [EDGE/CORNER], but with some space around it. This is [WHAT IT REPRESENTS]. Can you see where I mean?

Perfect. Now [DRAW/CREATE] an identical [SHAPE] in the [OPPOSITE POSITION] - it should be roughly the same distance from the [EDGES/CORNERS] as the first one. These are your [FEATURES]. How does it look?"

ACTION VERBS: Draw, sketch, create, add, trace, outline, fill, shade, position, place, make

SHAPES: Square, circle, triangle, rectangle, oval, line, curve, arc, diamond, star

POSITIONS: Top, bottom, left, right, centre, corner, middle, edge, above, below, beside, between

SIZES: Palm-sized, finger-width, half, quarter, third, large, small, tiny, [number]cm

SCENARIO 5: FOLDING/MANIPULATING OBJECTS (Paper, Fabric, Materials)

"We're going to [FOLD/CREATE/MAKE/SHAPE] this [MATERIAL - paper/fabric/item] into a [RESULT - shape/object/form]. I'll guide you through each [FOLD/STEP/ACTION] step by step. Do you have your [MATERIAL] in front of you?

Great. First, [PLACE/POSITION/ORIENT] the [MATERIAL] on the [SURFACE - table/desk] in front of you so it [LOOKS LIKE/IS POSITIONED AS] [DESCRIPTION - a diamond/square/rectangle] - [DESCRIPTION OF ORIENTATION]. Can you position it like that?

Perfect. Now, [TAKE/GRAB/HOLD] the [PART - bottom corner/left edge/top section] and [FOLD/BEND/BRING] it [DIRECTION - up/down/over/across] to [MEET/TOUCH/ALIGN WITH] the [OTHER PART - top corner/right edge/centre]. [CREASE/PRESS/FLATTEN] it in the middle to make a [SHARP/FIRM/CLEAR] [FOLD/LINE/CREASE]. You should now have a [RESULTING SHAPE - triangle/rectangle]. Have you done that?

Excellent. Now, [MAKE SURE/ENSURE/CHECK] the [PART - longest edge/straight side] of your [SHAPE] is [AT/POSITIONED] the [POSITION - bottom/top], [CLOSEST/FACING] [DIRECTION - towards you/away]. The [POINT/CORNER/END] should be at the [POSITION - top/side]. Can you confirm that's how it's positioned?

Good. Now, [TAKE/GRAB/HOLD] the [PART - bottom left corner/right edge] and [FOLD/BRING] it [DIRECTION - up/over/across] to [MEET/ALIGN WITH/TOUCH] the [TARGET - top point/centre/other corner]. [CREASE/PRESS/FLATTEN] this [FOLD/LINE]. Does that make sense?

Great. Now do the same with the [OPPOSITE PART] - [FOLD/BRING] it [DIRECTION] to [MEET/ALIGN WITH] the [TARGET]. You should now have a [SHAPE - smaller diamond/square/rectangle]. Can you tell me what shape you have?

Perfect. Now, [FLIP/TURN/ROTATE] the whole thing [OVER/AROUND] so the [DESCRIPTION - smooth side/other side/back] is facing [DIRECTION - up/towards you]. Keep it in the same [ORIENTATION - diamond/square] [POSITION] - [POINT/EDGE] at [POSITION]. Have you [FLIPPED/TURNED] it?

Excellent. Now [TAKE/FOLD/BEND] the [PART - top layer/bottom point/corner] and [FOLD/BRING] it [DIRECTION] about [MEASUREMENT - halfway/one-third] to the [TARGET]. [CREASE/PRESS] it [WELL/FIRMLY]. This creates a [FEATURE - pocket/flap/fold]. Can you see the [FEATURE] forming?"

ACTION VERBS: Fold, bend, crease, press, flatten, flip, turn, rotate, bring, take, hold, grab, position, align, meet

PARTS: Corner, edge, point, side, centre, top, bottom, layer, section, end

DIRECTIONS: Up, down, over, across, back, forward, towards, away, left, right

RESULTS: Triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, pocket, flap, shape, form

SCENARIO 3: DRAWING OR CREATING VISUAL ART

"I'm going to describe [OBJECT/SCENE/SHAPE] and I'll guide you through drawing it step by step. I'll work from [BOTTOM TO TOP/LEFT TO RIGHT/CENTRE OUTWARDS]. Do you have a [PENCIL/PEN/CRAYON] ready?

Great. Let's start [AT THE BOTTOM/AT THE TOP/IN THE CENTRE] of your page, roughly [POSITION - in the centre/on the left]. [DRAW/SKETCH/CREATE] a [SHAPE - square/circle/line] about [SIZE - palm-sized/5cm/half the page]. The [BOTTOM/TOP/LEFT] of the [SHAPE] should be about [POSITION/DISTANCE] from the [EDGE/CORNER] of the page. Have you drawn that?

Perfect. Now, [ON TOP OF/NEXT TO/BESIDE/ABOVE/BELOW] that [SHAPE], we're going to [ADD/DRAW/CREATE] a [SHAPE]. Start at the [POSITION - top left corner/centre] of your [PREVIOUS SHAPE] and [DRAW/SKETCH] a [TYPE OF LINE - diagonal/curved/straight] line going [DIRECTION - up/down/left/right], [STOPPING/ENDING] roughly [POSITION/DISTANCE]. Does that make sense?

Good. Now from that point, [DRAW/CONTINUE/CREATE] a [LINE/CURVE/SHAPE] going [DIRECTION], [ENDING/STOPPING] at the [POSITION] of your [ORIGINAL SHAPE]. You should now have a [RESULTING SHAPE] [POSITION - sitting on top of/beside]. Can you tell me what you have so far?

Excellent, that sounds right. Now let's [ADD/CREATE/DRAW] [FEATURE/DETAIL]. In the [POSITION - bottom centre/top left] of your [SHAPE], [DRAW/SKETCH] a [SMALLER/LARGER] [SHAPE] about [SIZE - a third of the width/2cm] and about [SIZE] [HIGH/WIDE/TALL]. This is [WHAT IT REPRESENTS]. Have you got that?

Great. Now let's [ADD/CREATE] [MORE FEATURES]. [DRAW/SKETCH] a [SHAPE] in the [POSITION] section of your [MAIN SHAPE] - not right in the [EDGE/CORNER], but with some space around it. This is [WHAT IT REPRESENTS]. Can you see where I mean?

Perfect. Now [DRAW/CREATE] an identical [SHAPE] in the [OPPOSITE POSITION] - it should be roughly the same distance from the [EDGES/CORNERS] as the first one. These are your [FEATURES]. How does it look?"

filling a form in

"Let's start at the top of the form. Can you see where it says [SECTION HEADING/TITLE]? We'll begin there.

Perfect. Now, in the first box, you need to [WRITE/ENTER/FILL IN] your [INFORMATION - full name/date of birth/address]. [WRITE/PRINT] this clearly in [CAPITAL LETTERS/BLOCK CAPITALS/NORMAL WRITING]. Have you got that?

Great. Just below that, you'll see a box labeled [LABEL/HEADING]. This is asking for your [INFORMATION TYPE]. [WRITE/ENTER] [SPECIFIC DETAILS - day first, then month, then year / postcode at the end]. Does that make sense?

Excellent. Now, [LOOK/MOVE] down to the next section. You should see [DESCRIPTION - some tick boxes/a longer space/several lines]. Can you see those?

Perfect. Here, you need to [TICK/SELECT/CHOOSE] [OPTION] or [WRITE/DESCRIBE] [INFORMATION]. [READ/LOOK AT] the options carefully and [TICK/SELECT] the one that [APPLIES TO YOU/MATCHES YOUR SITUATION]. Have you done that?

Good. Now, [SKIP/MOVE TO/GO TO] the section that says [HEADING]. [IGNORE/LEAVE BLANK] the section marked [SECTION] - that's for [WHO IT'S FOR - office use only/staff only]. Can you see the section I mean?

Great. In this section, you need to [PROVIDE/WRITE/ENTER] [INFORMATION]. If you're [NOT SURE/UNSURE ABOUT] something, you can [WRITE "N/A"/LEAVE IT BLANK/PUT A DASH]. Does that make sense?

How are you getting on? Can you tell me which section you're at now?

That's right, well done. You're doing great.

Finally, [LOOK/GO] to the bottom of the form. You should see a box marked [SIGNATURE/DATE/DECLARATION]. Can you see that?

Perfect. Here, you need to [SIGN/WRITE] your [SIGNATURE/NAME] and [PUT/WRITE] today's date, which is [DATE]. Make sure you've [COMPLETED/FILLED IN] all the sections above before you sign. Have you checked everything?

Excellent. Now [SIGN/DATE] at the bottom."

untangling

"Let's start by identifying what we're working with. [HOLD/PICK UP] the [CORD] and [FIND/LOCATE] both ends - one end will have [DESCRIPTION - a plug/connector/earphone] and the other will have [DESCRIPTION]. Can you [HOLD/SEE] both ends?

Perfect. Now, [LAY/PLACE/SPREAD] the [CORD] out on the [SURFACE - table/floor/your lap] in front of you so we can see where the [TANGLES/KNOTS/TWISTS] are. [SPREAD/STRETCH] it out as much as you can. Have you done that?

Great. Now, [LOOK AT/EXAMINE/IDENTIFY] the [TANGLES/KNOTS]. Can you see where the [CORD] is [CROSSED OVER/TWISTED/LOOPED] itself? We're going to work on these one at a time. Can you see the [FIRST/BIGGEST/NEAREST] [TANGLE/KNOT]?

Excellent. [HOLD/PINCH/GRIP] the [CORD] just [BEFORE/ABOVE] the [TANGLE] with one hand to keep it steady. With your other hand, [LOCATE/FIND] the [PART/SECTION] that's [LOOPED/CROSSED/TWISTED]. Can you see which bit needs to [MOVE/COME OUT/PULL THROUGH]?

Good. Now, [GENTLY/CAREFULLY/SLOWLY] [PULL/GUIDE/THREAD] that [SECTION/PART] [THROUGH/UNDER/OVER/BACK] the [LOOP/TANGLE]. Don't [PULL/YANK] too hard - just [EASE/GUIDE] it through [GENTLY/SLOWLY]. Does that make sense?

That's right, well done. You should see that [TANGLE/KNOT] getting [LOOSER/SMALLER]. Keep [PULLING/GUIDING] it through until it [COMES FREE/LOOSENS COMPLETELY].

Perfect. Now, [LOOK FOR/FIND] the next [TANGLE/KNOT/TWIST]. This time, [TRACE/FOLLOW] the [CORD] with your finger to see which way it needs to [GO/MOVE/UNLOOP]. Can you see the path it should take?

Great. [HOLD/STEADY] the [CORD] with one hand and [PULL/GUIDE/THREAD] the [TANGLED SECTION] [THROUGH/BACK/AROUND] with the other hand. [WORK/GO] [SLOWLY/CAREFULLY/PATIENTLY] - rushing makes it worse. Have you got that?

How are you getting on? Can you tell me how many [TANGLES/KNOTS] are left?

Excellent, you're doing really well. You're almost there.

For this last [TANGLE/KNOT], [HOLD/GRIP] the [CORD] on [BOTH SIDES/EITHER SIDE] of the [TANGLE]. [GENTLY/CAREFULLY] [PULL/WIGGLE/ROTATE] the [CORD] to [LOOSEN/FREE] the [TANGLE]. Sometimes [ROTATING/TWISTING] it [GENTLY/SLIGHTLY] helps it come undone. Can you try that?

Perfect. [KEEP/CONTINUE] [WORKING/PULLING/GUIDING] it until it [COMES FREE/STRAIGHTENS OUT].

Finally, once all the [TANGLES/KNOTS] are out, [HOLD/PICK UP] both ends and [PULL/STRETCH] the [CORD] [GENTLY/FIRMLY] to make sure it's completely [STRAIGHT/UNTANGLED/FREE]. Does it look [STRAIGHT/SMOOTH] now?"

---

END SECTION

"Excellent! You've untangled the cord successfully.

Let me just quickly summarise what we did:

First, we laid the cord out flat to see all the tangles.

Then, we worked through each tangle one at a time.

We held the cord steady and gently pulled the twisted sections through.

And finally, we straightened it out completely.

Before we finish, I'd like to ask:

How confident do you feel about untangling cords now?

Was there any part that was particularly tricky?

Would you like a tip for preventing tangles in future?