HomeSLP

Building Comprehension at Home

A step-by-step guide to helping your child follow directions, from one-step commands to multi-step sequences.

One-Step Directions

Before your child can follow complex directions, they need to master one-step commands. Start with directions that are connected to a visible context — the object should be nearby and the action familiar. Use gestures initially, then fade them over time.

Start with routine-based directions: 'sit down,' 'come here,' 'give me the cup'
Point to the object while giving the direction, then gradually fade the point
Use the same phrasing consistently: 'put it in' rather than alternating with 'drop it inside'
Give one direction at a time and wait for your child to complete it
Celebrate success: 'You did it! You put the ball in the box!'

Tip

If your child doesn't follow a direction, don't repeat it multiple times. Instead, help them do it (hand-over-hand if needed) while saying the direction again. Then try again independently.

Two-Step Directions

Once your child can reliably follow one-step directions, you can begin combining two steps. Children typically begin following two-step directions between 24 and 36 months. Start with two related actions before moving to unrelated steps.

Related steps first: 'Get your shoes AND put them on' (natural sequence)
Then unrelated steps: 'Get your cup AND sit down' (no logical connection)
Use 'and' or 'then' to connect the two steps: 'First get the ball, then bring it to me'
Give both steps at once — don't give the second step after the first is completed
If your child forgets step two, give a verbal reminder rather than repeating both steps

Making It Fun

Following directions can feel like a chore for kids. Turning it into a game increases motivation and engagement. The key is to make the activity feel like play, not a test.

Obstacle courses: 'Go UNDER the table, then jump OVER the pillow'
Treasure hunts: 'Look BEHIND the couch, then look IN the box'
Simon Says: a classic game that practices listening and following directions
Art projects: 'First draw a circle, then color it red'
Cooking together: 'Stir the batter, then pour it in the pan'
Toy cleanup: 'Put the blocks in the bucket AND the cars on the shelf'

Tip

Use stuffed animals or dolls as the 'student' first. Let your child watch as you give the toy a direction and help the toy follow it. Then it's your child's turn.

Troubleshooting

If your child is consistently struggling to follow directions, it could mean several things. It does not necessarily mean they have a language disorder — there may be simpler explanations that are easy to address.

Check hearing: Can they hear you? Have they had recent ear infections?
Reduce distractions: Turn off screens and get face-to-face before giving a direction
Simplify your language: use fewer words and shorter sentences
Check understanding: Does your child know the vocabulary in the direction?
Check attention: Is your child engaged, or are they focused on something else?
Rule out receptive language delay: if your child consistently struggles, seek evaluation

When to Make It Harder

Move to the next level when your child is succeeding 80% of the time at the current level. Progression should feel natural, not rushed. Here is the general sequence for increasing difficulty.

Level 1: One-step directions with gestures and visual context
Level 2: One-step directions without gestures (verbal only)
Level 3: Two-step related directions with visual context
Level 4: Two-step unrelated directions (verbal only)
Level 5: Three-step directions
Level 6: Directions with concepts (color, size, location) — 'Get the BIG red ball'

Note

If your child was doing well and suddenly regresses, don't worry. Illness, stress, sleep disruption, and developmental leaps can temporarily affect comprehension. Go back a level and build back up.

This handout is for educational purposes and does not replace professional evaluation or treatment. If you have concerns about your child's development, consult a licensed speech-language pathologist.

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