Tips for Giving Directions

• State what you want them to do instead of what you don't want them to do.

  • Instead of "don't run", try "walk please"

  • Instead of "Stop hitting", try "Keep your hands to yourself"

  • Be specific. Some students do not understand vague comments such as "Act like a gentleman"

• Use fewer words when giving directions

  • When children are busy or not listening they don't attend to everything being spoken. Shorten your statements to gain compliance. If you give too much information at one time your child may begin to tune out your voice.

• Don't forget to praise for completing the task.

  • Children are more often to do something if acknowledged for when they did it correctly.

• If it is a multiple step information, break up the steps and give one at a time.

• Some kids need time to process directions or information given. Wait 5 to 10 seconds before repeating directions.

• Provide directions using a calm, neutral tone of voice.

• Obtain your child's attention and gain eye contact before delivering an instruction.

• Only one person should be talking to a child at a time. Too many directions from different people can be confusing to a child, as well as overwhelm them.

• Using assertive language is often helpful.

  • Ex. "Its time to ______,"

  • "First _____, then ______,"

  • "The rule is____."