Are you looking for ways to get disobedient kids to follow directions? If so, keep reading.
1. Get the student to question any oral directions, explanations, and instructions they do not understand.
2. Give constant, positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. Ignore as many unacceptable behaviors as possible.
3. Get the student to record directions, explanations, and instructions. Let them replay information as often as needed.
4. Get the student’s hearing reviewed if it has not been recently reviewed.
5. Make sure that the student knows the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., failing to listen to and follow instructions during football practice may result in being benched for a game).
6. Get the student to orally repeat directions, explanations, and instructions after they have been given to reinforce retention.
7. Inform the student that instructions will only be given once and that you will not remind them to follow the instructions.
8. Provide consistency in the format of oral instructions.
9. Let logical consequences happen due to the student’s failure to listen to and follow instructions (e.g., school or class detention, missed task, etc.).
10. Make sure that all instructions, questions, explanations, and instructions are delivered in a clear, concise manner; at an appropriate pace; and loudly enough for the student to hear.
11. Show instructions in both written and oral form.
12. Make sure that oral instructions are delivered in a compassionate rather than menacing manner (e.g., “Will you please . . .” or “You need . . . ” rather than “You better . . .” or “If you don’t . . .” ).
13. Make sure the student achieves success when following oral instructions.
14. Make sure the student has all the learning materials needed to finish the task/learning experience .
15. Get the student to practice oral direction following on nonacademic tasks (e.g., recipes, games, etc.).
16. Give alternatives for the traditional format of presenting oral instructions (e.g., record instructions, summarize instructions, instructions given by peers, etc.).
17. Get the student to repeat instructions or give an interpretation after receiving oral instructions.
18. Make sure the student knows that you expect them to listen to you (e.g., by saying, “William, it is essential that you listen carefully to what I have to say. The book report is due on Monday.”).
19. Talk regularly with the student to help them follow oral instructions for the learning experience.
20. Make instructions important to the student. Attempt to relate instructions to past experiences.
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.
