Are you looking for hacks for getting defiant kids to obey verbal instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach the learner skills for following oral instructions (e.g., listen carefully, write down essential points, use environmental signals, wait until all instructions are received before beginning, etc.).

2. Reward the learner (e.g., a break, visit briefly with a peer, etc.) for keeping eye contact and listening for a specific length of time.

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

4. Record instructions for the learner to listen to and replay as appropriate.

5. Teach and have the learner practice listening for crucial information when they are being given instructions or receiving information (e.g., write down main points, ideas, step-by-step instructions, etc.).

6. Teach and practice efficient communication skills. These skills include listening, keeping eye contact, and positive body language.

7. Go through the steps of oral instructions as they are delivered to make sure the learner follows the instructions accurately.

8. Teach and give practice in https://www.thetechedvocate.org/digital-literacy-important-lifelong-learning-tool/ (e.g., listen carefully, write down essential points, ask for clarification, wait until all information is presented before starting a task, etc.).

9. Teach the learner listening skills (e.g., stop working, clear desk of nonessential learning materials, pay attention to the source of information, write down essential points, ask for clarification, and wait until all instructions are received before beginning).

10. Place the learner near the source of the oral instructions (e.g., teacher, aide, peer, etc.).

11. Give the learner a predetermined signal (e.g., lights turned off and on, hand signals, etc.) when they are not following oral instructions.

12. Place the learner far enough away from peers to ensure increased chances for paying attention to oral instructions.

13. Give the learner a clearly grasped list of consequences for unacceptable behavior.

14. Utilize vocabulary that is within the learner’s level of understanding when delivering instructions, explanations, and information.

15. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., following oral instructions) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

16. Teach and give practice in active listening skills. Get the learner to listen to what another person is saying and respond based on the information received.

17. Jot down oral instructions. Train the learner to cross each step off as it is finished.

18. Consider using a classroom management app to help the student learn to follow your verbal instructions. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using Alexa to help you with classroom management. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

20. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

21. Consider using a classroom management app to help the student follow directions and instructions . Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

22. Consider using Alexa to help you with classroom management. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

23. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

24. Read this article that we wrote on developing listening comprehension skills.

25. Read this article that we wrote explaining why verbal comprehension skills are important to academic success.

26. Read this article that we wrote on what you should do when your child struggles with verbal comprehension.