Are you looking for tips for teaching students to follow instructions? If so, keep reading.
1. Teach the student to respect others and their belongings by respecting the student’s belongings.
2. Teach the student to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).
3. Let the student voice their opinion in a situation to avoid becoming angry or upset.
4. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, or (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.
5. Connect with the parents to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for following instructions from teachers or other school staff members.
6. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., asking for help) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.
7. Take the student away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.
8. Praise the student for following the instructions of teachers and other school staff members based on the duration of time the student can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.
9. Praise those students in the classroom who follow instructions from teachers and other school staff members.
10. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.
11. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., not following instructions from teachers or other school staff members, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., asking for help, calling attention to a problem, etc.).
12. Praise the student for following instructions from teachers or other school staff members: (a) give the student 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 student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
13. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
14. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
15. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.
16. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.
17. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
18. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
19. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
