How do I make a direction harder without adding steps?

Add a concept word (“before you…”, “all except the…”), give the steps in a different order from the order of action, or take away the visual support. Each one raises the demand without making the direction longer.

What counts as a correct trial?

Decide whether the whole direction has to be followed in order to count. Some goals credit each step; others credit only the complete direction. Write the rule into the goal so the data means the same thing every session.

How do I help a student who forgets the second step?

Teach a strategy rather than repeating the direction: have the student say it back, count the steps on their fingers, or picture doing it. Log the attempt as cued when you prompt the strategy.

Free following directions activities for speech therapy

7 free activities · no sign-up

Following directions draws on several skills at once: listening, holding the steps in memory, knowing the concept words (under, before, first), and carrying out the actions in order. The boards build from one-step directions to two and three steps, then to the multi-step classroom and assignment directions older students meet every day.

For younger students, keep the directions short and the words familiar, then add steps. For middle and high school, the written assignment boards practice reading a prompt, finding the steps inside it, and checking the work against them.

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Play freeFollowing Multi-Step Classroom Directions: Grades 3-5Open full activity →

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All 7 activities

PreK–2 4

Grades 3–5 1

Following Multi-Step Classroom Directions: Grades 3-5Longer directions with embedded order, exceptions and conditions.QuizGrades 3–516 cards

Grades 6–8 2

Questions

How do I make a direction harder without adding steps?: Add a concept word (“before you…”, “all except the…”), give the steps in a different order from the order of action, or take away the visual support. Each one raises the demand without making the direction longer.
What counts as a correct trial?: Decide whether the whole direction has to be followed in order to count. Some goals credit each step; others credit only the complete direction. Write the rule into the goal so the data means the same thing every session.
How do I help a student who forgets the second step?: Teach a strategy rather than repeating the direction: have the student say it back, count the steps on their fingers, or picture doing it. Log the attempt as cued when you prompt the strategy.

Keep the data from every board

With a free account, every correct, cued and incorrect mark is saved to the student and scored against their IEP goal. Assign any board as home practice through the parent portal.

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