Are you looking for ways to help kids who have trouble reading or following written instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide a consistent format for written instructions.

2. Provide written instructions before handing out learning materials.

3. Provide visibility to and from the learner. The teacher and the learner should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

4. Complete the first few problems of a task with the learner to make sure that they accurately follow the written instructions

5. Select a peer to help the learner with any written instructions are not grasped.

6. Require that tasks done incorrectly, for any reason, be redone.

7. Minimize written instructions to individual steps (e.g., give the learner each additional step after the conclusion of the prior step).

8. Highlight, circle, or underline keywords (e.g., match, circle, underline, etc.) in written instructions.

9. Select a peer to model how to properly follow written instructions for the learner.

10. As the learner becomes more successful in following instructions, slowly increase the level of difficulty or complexity of written instructions.

11. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for following written instructions at school.

12. Practice following written instructions on nonacademic tasks (e.g., recipes, games, etc.).

13. Get the learner to carry out written instructions one step at a time and check with the teacher to make sure that each step is successfully finished before trying the next.

14. Organize their surroundings (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for work sent home, frequent interactions, etc.) to give the learner increased chances for help or assistance on academic tasks.

15. Make sure that the print is bold and large enough to enable the learner’s success in following written instructions.

16. Make sure the learner has all the learning materials needed to finish the task or learning experience .

17. Give the learner a quiet space (e.g., carrel, study booth, etc.) where they may go to take part in learning activities that require following written instructions.

18. Talk regularly with the learner to help them follow written instructions.

19. Make sure that the learner is paying attention to the teacher (e.g., eye contact, hands free of writing learning materials, looking at task, etc.) before giving written instructions.

20. Provide the learner one task to finish at a time. Present the next task only when the learner has successfully finished the prior task.

21. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.

22. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.

23. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:

10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read

7 Must-Have Apps to Make Students Love Reading

7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools

9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources

10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills