Help your Child Follow Directions:

1. Gain Attention First
Stand in front of or close to your child before giving instructions to ensure they are focused.

2. Use Clear, Specific Language
Avoid vague terms like “this,” “it,” “here,” or “there.” Be precise in your wording.

3. Give Instructions One at a Time
Break down tasks into individual steps and present them in the order they should be completed.
Example:

• “Put the paint away.”

• “Wash your hands.”

• “Sit down at the table.”

4. Use Visuals and Gestures
Support verbal instructions with actions or visual cues. For example, mime washing hands or hold out your hand when asking for an item.

5. Repeat Directions if Needed
Don’t hesitate to restate instructions to reinforce understanding.

6. Start Simple, Then Build Complexity
Begin with short, one-step directions. As your child becomes more confident, add steps or descriptive words.
Example: “Find the blue shirt and then the red socks.”

7. Keep It Fun and Natural
Incorporate directions into play and everyday routines. Let your child take turns giving instructions to you.

Activities to Practice Following Directions

Mr. Potato Head

• Place the toy and its parts in front of your child.

• Give specific instructions like “Put the hat on Mr. Potato Head.”

• Encourage your child to give you directions.

• Add complexity with multi-step instructions: “Put on the red nose, then the blue shoes.”

• Hide parts around the room and guide your child to find them: “Look under the table,” “Look on the black chair.”

Follow a Recipe

Use cooking as a fun way to practice different types of directions:

• Basic: “Get the flour,” “Give me the spoon.”

• Sequential: “Give me the spoon first, then the bowl.”

• Before/After: “Pour in the milk after you pour in the flour.”

• Spatial: “Get the spoon that is under the towel.”

• Quantitative: “Give me a few chocolate chips,” “Put in a lot of coconut.”

Simon Says

Play the classic game to build listening and inhibition skills:

• Follow directions only when they begin with “Simon says.”

• Use fun actions: “Simon says act like a monkey,” “Simon says jump then touch your nose.”

• Let your child take a turn being “Simon” to practice giving directions.

Arts and Crafts

Use creative activities to reinforce multi-step instructions:

• 1-Step: “Colour the leaf green,” “Put the glue on the table.”

• 2-Step: “Colour the leaf green, then colour the car red.”

• 3-Step: “First colour the leaf green, then colour the bird blue, last colour the sun yellow.”

• Offer clues if your child is unsure, such as pointing to the next item.

• Ask your child to repeat back what they did: “Tell me what you did.”

Final Tips

• Use a calm and supportive tone.

• Praise effort, not just accuracy.

• Let your child lead sometimes to build confidence.

• Create routines that naturally include directions.