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 student. The teacher and the student 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 student to make sure that they accurately follow the written instructions
5. Select a peer to help the student 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 student 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 student.
10. As the student 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 student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for following written instructions at school.
12. Practice following written instructions on nonacademic tasks (e.g., recipes, games, etc.).
13. Get the student 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 student increased chances for help or assistance on academic tasks.
15. Make sure that the print is bold and large enough to enable the student’s success in following written instructions.
16. Make sure the student has all the learning materials needed to finish the task or learning experience .
17. Give the student 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 student to help them follow written instructions.
19. Make sure that the student 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 student one task to finish at a time. Present the next task only when the student 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 Learners 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
