Helpful Directions
Here's What To Do
1
Use two-step directions when asking your child for help at home or in the community.
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Examples:
- If asking for help with the laundry, ask “find all the socks, then put them together in matching pairs.”
- If asking for help getting groceries ask, “choose 2 apples then 2 pears.”
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- First, help your child to focus on what they’ll be helping with. For example, if helping to get something from the shelf, point to the area they’ll find the item.
E
Engage:
- “Can you please help me to ____ ?”
- “I’ll give you two directions for you to follow.”
E
Encourage:
- Say the two-step directions, then give each direction for your child to follow one step at a time.
- To support understanding, have your child describe what they picture themself doing to follow the directions, or describe it for them. You can also show them what to do. “You will go to the shelf. Then, you will pick up the can with the picture of the beans. Let’s go there together.”
R
Reflect:
- “What do you like to help to do?”
Not quite ready?
Give one-step directions.
Ready for more?
Give two-step directions related to unfamiliar tasks. For example, introduce new words while cooking together, “Pour the cream and then whisk it. I’ll show you first.”
As your child masters this skill...
They will recall and apply two-step directions.