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As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), one of the most common areas I work on with children is following directions. While it may seem simple to say, “First get your shoes, then get your lunch,” this type of direction actually requires a complex set of skills that many children may struggle with.
Understanding the different types of directions, why they’re important, and how to support your child at home and in school can make a big difference in their communication and overall success.
Why Are Directions Important?
Directions are a cornerstone of communication and daily life. They help children understand expectations, complete tasks, and engage in social and academic activities. For children with speech and language delays or motor planning issues, following directions can feel overwhelming because it requires:
- Listening Skills: Paying attention to the speaker and processing what is being said.
- Language Comprehension: Understanding the vocabulary, grammar, and concepts within the direction.
- Memory: Retaining the information long enough to act on it.
- Sequencing: Understanding the order of steps and completing them in the correct sequence.
- Motor Planning: Physically coordinating the actions required to carry out the direction.
When a child struggles with any of these areas, following directions can feel like a monumental task. That’s why breaking down the types of directions and practicing them in a supportive way is so important.
Types of Directions, Typical Ages, and Their Nuances
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of directions, when children typically acquire these skills, and how to support your child:
1. One-Step Directions
Typical Age of Acquisition: Around 1-2 years old.
These are the simplest types of directions, such as “Clap your hands” or “Sit down.” While they may seem easy, they still require:
- Understanding the vocabulary (e.g., “clap,” “sit”).
- Processing the request.
- Executing the action.
How to Practice at Home:
- Use clear, simple language.
- Pair verbal directions with gestures or visual cues if needed.
- Practice during play (e.g., “Roll the ball,” “Jump up”).
2. Two-Step Directions
Typical Age of Acquisition: Around 2.5-3 years old.
These involve completing two actions in sequence, such as “First get your shoes, then get your lunch.” While this might seem straightforward, it requires:
- Understanding temporal concepts like “first” and “then.”
- Remembering both steps.
- Sequencing the actions correctly.
How to Practice at Home:
- Start with related actions (e.g., “Pick up your book and put it on the table”).
- Use gestural cues, like pointing or visual supports, like pictures or a checklist, to reinforce the steps.
- Gradually increase complexity and fade your prompting as your child becomes more confident.
3. Conditional Directions
Typical Age of Acquisition: Around 4-5 years old.
These include “if/then” statements, such as “If you finish your homework, then you can play outside.” These directions require:
- Understanding cause-and-effect relationships.
- Processing the condition and the outcome.
How to Practice at Home:
- Use real-life scenarios (e.g., “If you put your toys away, then we can read a book”).
- Keep the language simple and consistent.
- Reinforce the connection between the condition and the reward.
4. Spatial Directions
Typical Age of Acquisition: Around 3-4 years old.
These involve understanding spatial concepts like “on,” “under,” “next to,” or “behind.” For example, “Put the book on the table” requires:
- Understanding the spatial term (“on”).
- Identifying the correct location.
How to Practice at Home:
- Use toys or household items to practice (e.g., “Put the teddy bear under the chair”).
- Pair verbal directions with gestures or demonstrations.
- Play games like “Simon Says” to make it fun.
5. Complex or Multi-Step Directions
Typical Age of Acquisition: Around 5-7 years old.
These involve three or more steps, such as “Get your backpack, put on your shoes, and wait by the door.” These directions require:
- Advanced memory and sequencing skills.
- Understanding multiple concepts and actions.
How to Practice at Home:
- Break the direction into smaller parts and practice each step individually.
- Use visual aids, like a chart or checklist, to help your child keep track.
- Gradually increase the number of steps as your child improves.
Supporting Your Child at School
Advocating for your child’s needs at school is essential. Here are some tips to ensure they get the support they need:
- Communicate with Teachers: Share information about your child’s areas of need and strategies that work at home.
- Request Accommodations: Ask for visual supports, extra time to process directions, or simplified language in the classroom. If your child is on an IEP or 504 Plan, we can help you by making some recommendations
- Collaborate with the SLP & OT: If your child receives speech or occupational therapy at school or elsewhere, work with your child’s team to align strategies between home and other environments.
- Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your child to ask for clarification if they don’t understand a direction.
Making Practice Fun and Engaging
At Valued Voices, we believe that learning should be fun! Here are some ways to make practicing directions enjoyable for your child:
- Play Games: Games like “Simon Says,” “Red Light, Green Light,” or scavenger hunts are great for practicing directions.
- Use Everyday Routines: Incorporate directions into daily activities, like cooking (“Get the spoon and stir the batter”) or cleaning up (“Put the blocks in the bin and close the lid”).
- Celebrate Success: Praise your child for their efforts and progress, no matter how small.
Following directions is a foundational skill that impacts every aspect of a child’s life, from communication to academics to social interactions. By understanding the nuances of different types of directions, their typical age of acquisition, and practicing them in a supportive, fun way, you can help your child build confidence and succeed!
If you have concerns about your child’s ability to follow directions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance. Together, we can empower your child to thrive!
SHOLEH SHAHINFAR
M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT
Sholeh Shahinfar is the Founder of Valued Voices, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children’s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, Sholeh embraces a vegan lifestyle, loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.
