School Sparks - Kindergarten Readiness

The importance of following two-step directions, three-step directions, and four-step directions

Simply put, children cannot be successful in school unless they have strong auditory processing skills and are able to follow directions. From learning where to put a completed art project to how to properly add two numbers, a child needs to be able to follow directions. Being able to follow multi-step directions (directions that include two steps, three steps, or four steps, for example) is an especially important skill for young children, since many activities often have more than one part and a child needs to accurately follow all parts to be successful.

Extra tips for helping your child complete a following multi-step directions worksheet

Finding a quiet place to be with your child is a general guideline anytime you are working together, and this guidance is especially important when completing worksheets that focus on following directions. To position your child for success, read aloud each two-step, three-step, or four-step direction on the worksheet page slowly and in a loud, clear voice. Also, make sure there are no distracting noises from a television, radio, or other people talking. If your child cannot hear the directions as you read them, he will be unable to successfully complete each worksheet.

Also, make sure your child can see your mouth while you say aloud each step of the two-step, three-step, or four-step direction on the worksheet, so he not only hears the direction you are giving but can also see the movements your mouth makes while saying each word. Consider sitting across the table from your child, rather than next to him, when you read each direction. That way he can see your mouth as you talk and you can ensure he is looking at you and paying attention as you say each step of the multi-step direction, rather than looking at the pictures on the worksheet or gazing at something in the background.

Extra activities to practice following two-step directions, three-step directions, and other multi-step directions

• Play the “Simon Says” game giving a two-step or three-step direction each time. For example, ask your child to “Clap two times then jump three times.” For each direction you give, your child will need to listen carefully both to the directed activity (clapping or jumping) and to the number of time he needs to complete each one (two claps and three jumps). Or, play “Red Light, Green Light” with your child by saying aloud “Red Light” to tell your child when to stop and “Green Light” to tell your child when to move. Your child will need to listen carefully to each direction you give so he moves or freezes at the correct time.
• Say a string of three silly words such as “fob, fib, fub” and ask your child to repeat the string of words. Add a fourth or fifth word to the string for an extra challenge. You can also say aloud a string of three numbers and then ask your child to repeat them back to you in order. The longer the string of words or numbers, the more closely your child will need to listen as you speak, which is great practice for following multi-step directions.
• When in a store, a sporting game or at the airport, ask your child to repeat for you any announcements made over the loudspeaker. To successfully repeat an announcement, your child will need to listen carefully to the words being said, without the benefit of being able to see the speaker’s lips.
• If your child is not paying attention as you speak, try repeating the same directions by singing them or by saying them very softly in a whisper. This unexpected style of speech will likely attract his attention and help him focus on each step of the directions you are giving.
• Play the “clean up” game by asking your child to put away two or three toys at a time. Give him all steps of the instructions (such as, “put the ball in the basket and hang your coat in the closet”) at the same time and then let him choose which to put away first.