Academic and Behavioral Interventions

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have problems with learning activities that require listening? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to record directions, explanations, and instructions so that they may replay information as often as needed.

2. Let the student record information from lectures and make notes from these recordings.

3. Provide a predetermined signal prior to bells ringing, announcements being made, etc.

4. Take into account the student’s capacity and ability level and experience before expecting the student to be successful in learning activities that require listening.

5. Refrain from placing the student in situations that require listening for an expanded duration of time, such as lectures, seminars, etc. Give supplemental information through a recording or lecture notes.

6. Refrain from seating the student near people with whom they may be enticed to talk to during lectures, guest speakers, group projects, etc.

7. Be firm, fair, and consistent, expecting the student to listen. Hold the student responsible for not listening to essential information.

8. Use the student’s name prior to bells ringing, announcements being made, instructions being given, etc.

9. Ask the student for an instant repetition of instructions.

10. Minimize the number of visual distractions around the student (e.g., move the student’s work area away from windows, doors, computer area, etc.).

11. Coordinate individual tasks when the group setting is overly distracting.

12. Provide instructions to the student individually.

13. Make sure that competing sounds (e.g., talking, movement, noises, etc.) are silenced when instructions are being given, public address announcements are being made, etc.

14. Provide instructions in a compassionate rather than a menacing manner (e.g., “Please repeat the instructions given,” rather than, “Tell me what I just said!”).

15. Provide oral instructions prior to handing out learning materials.

16. Provide information to the student slowly.

17. Show appropriate listening behavior (e.g., sit up straight, eyes on the speaker, etc.).

18. Show directions, explanations, and instructions as they are presented orally (e.g., use the smartboard to work a problem for the student, begin playing a game with the student, etc.).

19. Let logical consequences happen (e.g., miss tasks, miss information regarding a school event, etc.) due to the student’s failure to follow instructions.

20. Give learning activities designed to teach listening skills.

21. Read this article that we wrote on developing listening comprehension skills.

22. Read this article that we wrote explaining why verbal comprehension skills are important to academic success.

23. Read this article that we wrote on what you should do when your child struggles with verbal comprehension.

Are you looking for ways to help students focus on the sounds in their environments? If so, keep reading.

1. Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., make sure the classroom is quiet, lessen movement in the classroom, etc.).

2. Make sure that the student has sufficient chances for repetition of information through various experiences.

3. Reward the student (e.g., a break, visit briefly with a peer, etc.) for keeping eye contact and listening for a specific duration of time.

4. Make sure the student is attending before delivering directions, explanations, or instructions (e.g., keeping eye contact, hands free of other learning materials, looking at the task, etc.).

5. Move materials used for tactile stimulation (e.g., pens, paper clips, loose change, etc.) away from the student’s reach.

6. Show ideas following the outline of (1) Who, (2) What, (3) Where, (4) On occasions where, (5) How, and (6) Why.

7. Show directions, explanations, or instructions as simply and clearly as possible (e.g., “Get your book. Turn to page 29. Do problems 1 through 5.”).

8. Stand in the proximity of the student when delivering oral questions and instructions .

9. Separate at several points during the presentation of directions, explanations, or instructions to check the student’s comprehension of the information given.

10. Show oral questions and instructions concisely.

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

12. Provide mobility to assist to the student; regularly be near the student, etc.

13. Make sure that all instructions, questions, explanations, and instructions are delivered at an appropriate pace for the student.

14. Praise those students who pay attention to information from any place in the classroom.

15. Take the student away from the situation until they can demonstrate self-control and follow instructions when they have difficulty paying attention to and following instructions in the presence of others (e.g., at a school assembly, on a field trip, playing a game with peers, etc.).

16. Provide visibility to and from the student to keep their attention when oral questions or instructions are being delivered. The teacher and the student should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

17. Plan essential learning activities , tasks, and meetings at times when the student is most likely to keep attention (e.g., one hour after medication, 45 minutes after lunch, first thing in the morning, etc.).

18. Make sure you have the student’s full attention when you are talking to him/her. Stand near the student, keep eye contact, and have them repeat the information.

19. Place the student near the source of information in the classroom. As the student shows success, slowly move them away from the source of information.

20. Show instructions following the outline of (1) What, (2) How, (3) Learning materials, and (4) On occasions where.

21. Teach the student instruction-following skills (e.g., listen carefully, write down essential points, etc.).

22. Teach and practice active listening skills. Urge the student to listen to what another person is saying and respond based on information received.

23. When ideas are presented, have the student listen and takes notes for “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why.”

24. Teach and practice efficient communication skills. These skills include listening, keeping eye contact, and positive body language.

25. Move the student away from other students who may interfere with their capacity and ability to pay attention to directions, explanations, or instructions.

26. Teach the student listening skills (e.g., stop working, clear desk of nonessential learning materials, pay attention to the source of information, write down essential points, ask for clarification, and wait until all instructions are received before beginning).

27. Teach and practice information-gathering skills (e.g., listen carefully, write down essential points, ask for clarification, wait until all information is presented before starting a task, etc.).

28. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., paying attention to information presented from any place in the classroom) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

Are you looking for hacks to help students that ignore sounds in their environment? If so, keep reading.

1. Inform the student that instructions will only be given once and that you will not remind them to follow the instructions.

2. Provide simple, specific instructions as to what the student is to do.

3. Talk regularly with the student to help them pay attention to the source of the sound.

4. Get the student to orally repeat directions, explanations, and instructions after they have been given to reinforce retention.

5. Get a peer, paraprofessional, friend, etc. to signal the student when they need to keep attention. (e.g., the person can touch the student on the arm when it is time to listen).

6. Get the student’s hearing reviewed if it has not been reviewed recently.

7. Select a peer to model answering information from any place in the classroom for the student.

8. Find the student’s preferred learning style and use it continuously to increase the likelihood of comprehension and remaining on-task for longer periods.

9. Urge the student to avoid ingesting any substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol, cold remedies, etc.) that might alter their capacity and ability to direct or keep attention.

10. Train the student to ask people to repeat portions of a conversation they were unable to follow.

11. Train the student to carry a notepad with them at all times and to write information down to help them remember.

12. Train the student to listen for crucial information when being given instructions or receiving information from a distance (e.g., write down main points, ideas, step-by-step instructions, etc.).

13. Train the student to keep attention to the source of information by keeping eye contact, keeping hands free from other learning materials, and reducing other distractions.

14. Train the student to write down oral instructions and cross each one off as it is finished.

15. Let logical consequences happen due to the student’s failure to follow oral instructions or pay attention to the information given in public places.

16. Get the student to take notes when instructions are being given following the “What, How, Learning materials, and On occasions where” format.

17. Create rules for listening (e.g., listen to instructions, ask questions about instructions if they are not grasped, follow the instructions, etc.). These rules should be consistent and followed by everyone in the classroom. Talk about the rules often.

18. Provide consistency in the manner in which oral questions are asked and instructions are given.

19. Praise the student for paying attention to the information presented from any place in the classroom: (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.).

20. Make sure that directions, explanations, or instructions are delivered loudly enough to be heard by the student.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who do not pay attention to sounds in their environment? If so, keep reading.

1. Talk regularly with the student to help them follow instructions for a learning experience .

2. Let the student record information from lectures and make notes from these recordings.

3. Refrain from placing the student in situations that require listening for an expanded duration of time such as lectures, seminars, etc. Give the information for the student through a recording or lecture notes.

4. Refrain from seating the student near people with whom they may be enticed to talk to during lectures, assemblies, seminars, projects, etc.

5. Be firm, fair, and consistent, expecting the student to listen to and follow instructions. Do not Let the student fail to follow instructions one time and expect instructions to be followed the next time.

6. Ensure the student has heard what was said by having them give acknowledgment (e.g., by saying, “Okay!” “Will do!” etc.).

7. Use the student’s name to gain their attention prior to delivering directions, explanations, or instructions.

8. Take into account the student’s age and experience before expecting them to be successful in learning activities that require listening.

9. Provide oral questions and instructions that involve only one step. As the student shows success, slowly increase the number of ideas or steps.

10. Ascertain if the student heard a direction by having them repeat it.

11. Create an environment that is quiet and tidy (e.g., clean, well-lighted, fresh-smelling, and at a comfortable temperature).

12. Do not criticize when correcting the student; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the student to feel negatively about themselves.

13. Do not give instructions to the student from across the classroom. Go to the student, get their full attention, and tell them what to do.

14. Urge the parents to take advantage of dinner and other family-gathering times for the student to converse and practice keeping attention.

15. Urge the student to ask for clarification of any directions, explanations, and instructions before starting a task to enable comprehension.

16. Train the student to ask for clarification if they do not understand the information given orally.

17. Urge the student to create an understanding of the consequences of their behavior by writing down or talking through problems that may happen due to their failure to keep attention (e.g., not focusing on instructions may cause misinterpretation of a task that could lead to a lower grade and losing a place on the soccer team).

18. Select various people (e.g., peer, paraprofessional, counselor, etc.) to help the student improve their listening skills.

19. Create task rules (e.g., listen carefully, wait until all oral instructions have been given, ask questions about things that you do not understand, begin the task only when you are sure about what you are to do, make sure you have all the appropriate learning materials, etc.).

20. Provide a signal to gain the student’s attention before delivering directions, explanations, or instructions (e.g., clap hands, turn lights off and on, etc.).

Are you looking for tips to help students who don’t comprehend your instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach and have the student practice how to listen for crucial information when they are being given instructions or receiving information (e.g., write down main points, ideas, step-by-step instructions; etc.).

2. Give the student written directions and instructions to supplement oral directions and instructions.

3. Give chances for the student to talk to others on a one-to-one basis. As the student becomes more successful at listening and keeping attention, slowly include more people in conversations.

4. Provide simple, specific instructions to the student.

5. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., failing to listen for keywords, etc.) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., listening for keywords, etc.).

6. Take into account the student’s age and experience when expecting them to listen to and follow instructions.

7. Find a list of word endings, keywords, etc., that the student will practice listening for when someone is speaking.

8. Show instructions following the (1) What, (2) How, (3) Learning materials, and (4) On occasions where outline.

9. Teach student listening skills: • Separate working. • Clear desk of nonessential learning materials. • Attend to the source of information. • Jot down essential points. • Ask for clarification. • Wait until all instructions are received before beginning.

10. Ensure the student has heard what was said by having them give acknowledgment (e.g., by saying, “Okay!” “Will do!” etc.).

11. Inform the student what to listen for when being given instructions or receiving information.

12. Assess the visual and auditory stimuli in the classroom and remove or lessen the unnecessary environmental stimuli.

13. Talk concisely when delivering directions, explanations, and instructions.

14. Get the student to take notes following the “What, How, Learning materials, and On occasions where” format when instructions are being given.

15. 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.

16. Consider using Alexa to help you with classroom management. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

18. Read this article that we wrote on developing listening comprehension skills.

19. Read this article that we wrote explaining why verbal comprehension skills are important to academic success.

20. Read this article that we wrote on what you should do when your child struggles with verbal comprehension.

Are you looking for hacks to get kids with comprehension issues to understand instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the student for listening carefully based on the duration of time the student can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time the student is required to listen.

2. Give the student instructions on a one-to-one basis before they begin a task.

3. Get the student to ask for help when they need it.

4. Teach the student the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., failing to listen to and follow instructions may result in reduced grades, etc.).

5. Train the student to ask people to repeat portions of a conversation they were unable to follow.

6. Refrain from placing the student in situations that require listening for an expanded duration of time such as lectures, seminars, etc. Give the information for the student through a recording or lecture notes.

7. Urge the student to create a 30-second definition of their goal to help remain on-task and focus.

8. Draft an agreement with the student. It should be written within their capacity and ability level and focus on only one behavior at a time. Indicate what behavior is required and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

9. Provide directions, explanations, and instructions at an appropriate rate.

10. Teach and practice efficient communication skills. These skills include listening, keeping eye contact, and positive body language.

11. Find a peer who has excellent communication skills. Urge the student to observe that peer and model their behavior s that promote excellent communication.

12. Train the student to keep attention to the source of information by keeping eye contact, keeping hands free from other learning materials, and reducing other distractions.

13. Select a peer, paraprofessional, etc., to signal the student when they need to keep attention (e.g., the person can touch the student on the arm when it is time to listen).

14. Urge the student to avoid ingesting any substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol, cold remedies, etc.) that might further alter their capacity and ability to direct or keep attention.

15. Make sure the student is paying attention to the source of information (e.g., making eye contact, hands are free of other learning materials, looking at the task, etc.).

16. Let logical consequences happen due to the student’s failure to follow oral instructions (e.g., schoolwork not done on time, homework is done incorrectly, etc.).

17. Assess the difficulty level of information orally delivered to the student (e.g., information should be communicated on the student’s capacity and ability level).

18. Urge the student to say a mantra to themselves when entering a situation where they will receive instructions/information (e.g., listen carefully, listen carefully, listen carefully).

19. Teach active listening skills. Urge the student to listen to what another person is saying and respond based on information received.

20. Get a peer to give the information that the student does not hear.

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.

Are you looking for ways to help kids with receptive language disorder understand instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. 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. Your rough draft is due on Wednesday.” etc.).

2. Reward the student’s peers in the classroom for listening to and following instructions.

3. Urge the student to ask for clarification of any directions, explanations, and instructions before starting a task to ensure all needed information was heard.

4. Select various people (e.g., peers, paraprofessionals, counselors, family members, etc.) to help the student improve their listening skills.

5. Do not give instructions to the student from across the room. Go to the student, get their full attention, and explain the instructions to him/her.

6. Get the student’s hearing reviewed if it has not been recently reviewed.

7. Get the student to silently rehearse information just heard to help them remember the essential facts.

8. Be positive. On occasions where correcting the student, be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the student to feel negatively about themselves.

9. Provide a consistent format in the oral delivery of information.

10. Urge the student to ask for clarification if they do not understand instructions that are given orally or in writing.

11. Provide the student with short directions, explanations, and instructions to follow. As the student shows success, slowly increase the length of the directions, explanations, and instructions.

12. Let logical consequences happen due to the student failing to listen to and follow instructions (e.g., miss instructions for the task, miss information on school learning activities , etc.).

13. Get the student to repeat or rephrase what is said to them to ascertain what they heard.

14. Be firm, fair, and consistent, expecting the student to listen to and follow instructions. Do not Let the student fail to listen without accepting natural consequences.

15. Praise the student for listening to what is said (e.g., making eye contact, hands are free of learning materials, looking at tasks, etc.): (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Provide the student instructions with no more than two or three steps (e.g., “Please open your text and turn to page 28.”); directions that involve several steps can be confusing and cause the student to have difficulty following them.

17. Put the student near the source of information.

18. Separate at crucial points when delivering directions, explanations, and instructions to check the student’s comprehension.

19. Urge the student to create an understanding of themselves and those around him/her. Train the student to periodically step back and ask themselves, “Am I listening and paying attention?” “What should I be doing now?”

20. Urge the student to create an understanding of the consequences of not listening by writing down or talking through problems that may happen due to their need to have oral instructions and questions regularly repeated (e.g., if you do not focus on the instructions, you may miss information and produce poor quality work).

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.

Are you looking for hacks to get students to follow your verbal instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge the student to say a mantra to themselves when entering a situation where the student will receive instructions/explanations (e.g., listen carefully, listen carefully, listen carefully).

2. Urge the student to create an understanding of the consequences of their behavior by writing down or talking through problems that may happen due to their need to have oral instructions and questions regularly repeated (e.g., If you do not focus on the instructions, you may not finish tasks correctly. Then, you may not pass the class and earn the credit needed for graduation.).

3. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

4. Create rules for listening to and following instructions (e.g., listen when someone is giving instructions, ask questions about instructions if they are not grasped, etc.). These rules should be consistent and followed by everyone in the class. Talk about the rules often.

5. Assess the appropriateness of the task to determine (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

6. Solidify the student’s capacity and ability to follow oral instructions by communicating with the student’s cooperative work experience/vocational education teacher to give appropriate strategies and interventions at the student’s job site.

7. Follow up a less desirable task with a highly desirable task. Make the following of oral instructions and conclusion of the first task appropriate to perform the second task.

8. Provide instructions in an assortment of ways to increase the likelihood of comprehension (e.g., if the student fails to understand oral instructions, present then in written form).

9. Provide the student one task to perform at a time. Introduce the next task only when the student has successfully finished the prior task.

10. Urge the student to avoid ingesting any substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol, cold remedies, etc.) that might further alter their capacity and ability to listen to or follow oral instructions.

11. Urge the student to ask for clarification of any directions, explanations, and instructions before starting a task to enable comprehension.

12. Get a designated person to be the only individual to deliver oral instructions to the student.

13. Get a peer to help the student with any oral instructions they do not understand.

14. Train the student to periodically step back and ask themselves, “Am I on-task and paying attention?” “What should I be doing now?”

15. Get the student to pay attention to the source of information by keeping eye contact, keeping hands free from other learning materials, and reducing other distractions.

16. Require that tasks done incorrectly, for any reason, be redone.

17. Get the student to keep a record (e.g., chart or graph) of their performance in following oral instructions.

18. Minimize oral instructions to steps (e.g., give the student each additional step after the conclusion of the prior step).

19. Get the student to practice group listening skills (e.g., “Everyone, take out a piece of paper. Write your name on the paper. Number your paper from 1 to 20.”).

20. Make sure the student is attending (e.g., making eye contact, hands free of other learning materials, looking at task, etc.) before oral instructions are given.

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.

Are you looking for ways to teach students to exhibit appropriate behaviors related to bodily functions? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not leave the student unsupervised.

2. Take the student away from the learning experience until they show appropriate behavior.

3. Take the student away from the peer or situation that stimulates them to take part in unacceptable behavior related to bodily functions.

4. Notify other school staff members to make them aware of the problem.

5. Make sure the student knows how to use restroom facilities appropriately.

6. Give the student accurate information regarding bodily functions to answer questions and clear up misunderstandings.

7. Teach the student alternative ways to deal with their anger (e.g., talk with the teacher, move away from the situation, talk to other school staff members, etc.).

8. Convey concerns and communicate fears to the administration and seek a referral to an agency for investigation of possible abuse and neglect.

9. Give the student a full schedule of daily activities to increase active involvement in their surroundings.

10. Give the student a quiet space to work to lessen overstimulation. This is to be used to lessen stimulation, not as a form of punishment.

11. Select a peer to model appropriate social behavior for the student.

12. Provide visibility to and from the student. The teacher should be able to see the student; the student should be able to see the teacher. Make eye contact possible at all times.

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.

Are you looking for strategies to teach students to exhibit appropriate behaviors related to bodily functions? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the student for demonstrating appropriate behavior related to bodily functions: (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.).

2. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., urinating on floor, masturbating, etc.) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., demonstrating appropriate social behavior).

3. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate appropriate social behavior.

4. Praise the student for demonstrating appropriate social behavior based on the duration of time they can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

5. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., talking about topics that are appropriate for social situations) and what reinforcements will be made available when the terms of the agreement have been met.

6. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for demonstrating appropriate social behavior at school.

7. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties to tell them about the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.

8. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

9. Talk with the student about appropriate social behavior and make sure they know that behaviors are appropriate for public places and which are not.

10. Give sufficient supervision throughout the school environment to prevent the student from talking about bodily functions, masturbating, etc.

11. Make sure that the student is not inadvertently reinforced for participating in unacceptable behavior related to bodily functions (e.g., deal with the problem privately; avoid reacting in a shocked, disgusted, or angry manner, etc.).

12. Make sure that logical consequences follow the student’s unacceptable behavior related to bodily functions (e.g., others will not want to interact with the student; require the student to clean up urine, feces, 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.