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Most every parent has complained at some point about their child not listening to their directions. But did you know those following directions is actually a skill that needs to be developed? Let’s take a look at the building blocks that are necessary for helping children follow directions.
Hearing
Not only does your child need to have the ability to hear sounds, but they also need to be able to process those sounds in a timely manner so they can act on what they heard.
Understanding (receptive) Language
Your child needs to be able to understand language, particularly concepts and vocabulary.
Attention and Concentration
Your child must be able to hold his or her attention on a task long enough to complete it.
Working Memory
Your child must be able to hold onto new information and be able to turn around and use it. It is the brain’s ability to hold onto information in the short term without losing track of what you are doing.
Your child’s age will dictate how much they are able to retain and follow. All children are different, but in general, you should see the following:
1-2 Year Old: Can follow 1 step instructions (“Hand me your ball, please.”)
2-3 Year Old: Can follow 2 part instructions (“Go to the closet and get your shoes.”)
3-4 Year Old: Can follow 3 part instructions (“Brush your teeth, go potty, and get a drink.”)
Following directions isn’t always the most fun task for little ones, but luckily there are some fun ways that you can help them at home!
Fun Games to Helping Children Follow Directions
We hope these fun games will be helping children follow directions:
Simon Says
This is a pretty simple one, and probably one that you remember from grade school! One person calls out the directions and all of the players have to listen, but ONLY do what they are told if the leader says “Simon Says” before giving the direction. For example, “Simon Says touch your toes. Simon Says rub your tummy. Now spin around.” The player should NOT spin around, and will be out if they do! Build up to giving 2 and 3 part directions. For fun, let your child have a turn giving the directions, too!
Red Light/Green Light
This is a fun game to play outside. Players start in a designated area, while the leader stands about 15 feet away. The goal of the game is for the players to touch the leader. When the leader calls out “green light” the players move forward towards the leader. When the leader calls out “red light,” the players must stop. You can make it trickier by introducing other colors and ways to move. For example, green=running, yellow=walking, purple=hopping, and so on.
Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses are great for so many developmental skills. We use them as part of most of our OT sessions since is a great activity for so many tasks, including gross motor skills and attention! You can use them for building listening skills by setting it up in such a way that the child has to listen in order to know how to get through it.
For example, if you set up a four-part obstacle course, your child will need to listen to you to know how to move through it. Let’s say you had a table, some cushions, a chair, and bench. You could say “Crawl under the table, jump over the cushions, climb over the chair, and slide on your belly under the bench.” The next time through you could mix it up, and have them go in a different order, or move differently around the obstacles.
There are also a number of commercially available games to help your child practice following directions. Two that you may want to try:
Following Directions Card Game
This card game contains 52 cards with one-step directions, so you can use the cards individually for younger children, or combine them for more of a challenge!
This card set contains over 400 questions and learning activities that help reinforce listening and remembering towards helping children follow directions. Activities are designed to be fun and interactive so that you and your child can enjoy them together!
When to Worry About Your Child’s Ability to Follow Directions
If your child is 4 or older, and you suspect that they may be struggling with following directions, there are a few red flags that you can look out for. Your child may be struggling if they:
- Are unable to follow multi-step directions
- Need directions repeated multiple times
- Don’t follow directions as given, or seem to misinterpret information
- Appear distracted, or look blank when you give them directions
- Avoid follow directions or change the subject when given instructions
- Rely on peers or classmates to know what to do
If you suspect that your child is really struggling, please reach out to set up a free consultation. I would be happy to discuss your concerns and help you determine your child’s individual needs. We are here to support you as you help your child blossom!
Have you tried any of these games for helping children follow direction? Or do you have other suggestions for helping your child to follow directions? Please join our FREE Facebook community to share. We would love to hear from you!
If you liked reading Three Games for Helping Children Follow Directions, you might also enjoy reading:
Preschool Routines: Set Your Child Up For Success
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