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

1. Select a peer to model appropriate listening to and following oral instructions for the learner.

2. Make sure the learner is paying attention when they are told to do something. Get the learner to make eye contact and repeat the information to check for comprehension.

3. Stop the learner from becoming overstimulated by a learning experience (e.g., frustrated, angry, etc.).

4. Give clearly stated oral instructions (e.g., make the instructions as simple and concrete as possible).

5. Make sure that oral instructions are given at the level at which the learner can be successful (e.g., two-step or three-step instructions are not given to students who can only successfully follow one-step instructions).

6. Give instructions on a one-to-one basis before assigning a task.

7. Give supplemental instructions in the learner’s preferred learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, etc.).

8. Complete the first problem or problems with the learner to make sure that they follow the oral instructions accurately.

9. Give the learner a written copy of oral instructions.

10. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., ignoring oral instructions) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., listening to and following through when given oral instructions).

11. Minimize distracting stimuli to increase the learner’s capacity and ability to follow oral instructions (e.g., place the learner on the front row, give a carrel or “office” space away from distractions, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

12. Make sure that oral instructions are delivered in a nonmenacing manner (e.g., positive voice, facial expression, language used, etc.).

13. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to hurry to begin the task without oral instructions.

14. Minimize the emphasis on early conclusion. Hurrying to finish tasks may cause the learner to fail to follow instructions.

15. Praise the learner for following oral instructions: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Get the learner to carry out one step of the oral instructions at a time, checking with the teacher to make sure that each step is successfully followed before trying the next.

17. Praise the learner for following oral instructions based on the duration of time they can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

18. Praise those students in the classroom who follow oral instructions.

19. Stand in proximity to the learner when giving oral instructions.

20. Make the learner wait until the teacher gives them a signal to begin a task (e.g., give a hand signal, ring a bell, etc.).

21. 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.

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.

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.