Does your primary or first grade child have a hard time following instructions? For young children starting elementary school, it can be overwhelming.
These simple, practical ideas will get them school-ready and be better equipped to handle the structure and expectations.
It’s that time of year.
Even before one lesson is taught, if you know your child has a hard time following instructions, the tension may have already set in.
The Challenge:
- Your child needs constant reminders and 1:1 directions but she’s one of 25 students. Why can’t she follow along?
- Your son loses it whenever Rebbi gives general instructions to the class. What’s going wrong?
You see, not all children can keep up with multi-step instructions in a classroom setting. Some have a hard time getting the details or figuring out how to do it. And others space out rather than listening to a long stream of words that’s too fast to process.
Prepare your child while the sun is still shining and back to school will be easier than before!
The Solution: Practica Following Directions!
Practice following directions with your child for 5-7 minutes daily. But don’t simply tell her to “bring her sneakers and throw her papers into the garbage can.” Instead, create a mock classroom setting so the practice is real and the skill gets developed.
- Start simple.
- Keep it fun and easy.
- Slowly, increase the level of difficulty by adding details, another step or doing it at a faster pace.
Here’s some ideas of things you can do:
- Play “Teacher Says!” just as you would play “Simon Says.” This game teaches kids to pay attention, and listen closely in a fun, hands-on version! Start with 1 step instructions. Once it’s easy, move on to 2 step, 3 step then 4 step directions.
Try to catch them doing an action when you don’t say “Teacher Says” first!
- Get a backpack and some school supplies. Add a folder, a box of crayons and summer worksheets (now’s a good time to finish them up!), an activity book or blank paper.
Start with simple, 1 step instructions.
- Think of class routines:
“Take out your siddur and turn to page 29. Put your finger on the first word.”
“Fold your paper in four and write your name and the date on the top.”
- Think of class worksheets:
“Count the objects and write the number next to the line”
“Read the first five words, then draw a picture for one of the words in the box below.”
- Allow your child to be the teacher after you’ve done several examples. This helps them organize their thoughts and get the teacher’s perspective.
Now, follow my instructions, pat yourself on the back, and say, “I am doing my best every day!”
Here’s warm wishes for a smooth back-to-school experience!
Here are more resources that can help you:
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