Early Childhood Tip: Learning to follow directions

I remember my teacher saying, “Alright class, please turn the page to …” This was part of the class routine. It was a call for the students to come to attention, to listen and to follow directions. Following directions is a fundamental component of success in the classroom and it is important in most social situations. Kids direct each other in imaginative play and directions are key to playing group games. At home you give your child directions to clean-up, get ready for bed and other daily tasks.

Learning to follow directions

There are steps kids need to learn to follow directions. The first step is to hear the message, which relates to receptive language or the information a child receives. The next step is understanding the task, which relates to a child’s focus and concentration. The final step is completing the task, which relates to a child remembering the directions while completing the task step-by-step. Sometimes an additional step is when your child asks for clarification or for the directions to be repeated.  

You can help your child learn to follow directions. Fun child-friendly games like Follow the Leader, Simon Says, Red Light – Green Light and Mother May I? help kids understand following directions. 

Tips to teach kids to follow directions

• Get your child’s attention.
• Say his / her name.
• Be clear and direct.
• Stay calm.
• Be a role model.
• Give your child time to process the direction.
• Use visual aids like gestures and body language.
• Use "first … then." For example, First get your hat then go outside.
• Ask your child to repeat the direction to be sure he / she understands.
• Reward positive behavior.