Last week, we discussed developmental milestones for following directionsand tips to try at home. Following directions doesn’t have to be boring; in fact, it can be a lot of fun! Games of all types require the ability to listen and follow verbal or written directions. Read below for exciting games and activities that work on direction following skills.
Simon Says
“Simon Says” is a great game that targets listening skills and following directions. For children struggling with following directions, play with another sibling or peer as a model. As your child progresses, increase the difficulty of the game by adding 2-3 step directions. Take turns being Simon so your child has a chance to trick you, as well!
Obstacle Course
Obstacles courses not only work on following directions but work on gross motor skills as well. Create an awesome obstacle course using pillows to walk across, tunnelsto climb through, to jump on, and ball pitto end up in!
Board games
Classic board games such asCandy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Sorryare excellent ways to practice following directions and turn-taking in a fun, structured activity. Although it is tempting to let your child win every game, allow the opportunity to teach good sportsmanship after losing a round.
Twister
Twister targets body parts, colors, and left/right concepts all in one game! Given a verbal direction of “Right hand on blue circle”, targets following directions, working memory, and language concepts. Recommended for children 6 and older.
Coloring books
While your child is coloring, give directions for each page. For instance, “color the hat red” will encourage your child to identify the object and color while following 2-step directions.
Chores
What better way to make following directions functional? Household chores. Easy household chores encourage responsibility, accountability, and time-management skills at a young age. Make the chores rewarding by finding a chore chart that works for your family. Click herefor some great ideas!
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References:
“How To Get A Child Following Directions.” Speech And Language Kids, 18 Apr. 2017, www.speechandlanguagekids.com/how-to-get-your-child-to-follow-directions/.
Katie. “Five Playful Ways to Work on Listening and Following Directions.” Playing With Words 365, 19 Feb. 2018, www.playingwithwords365.com/five-playful-ways-to-work-on-listening-skills/.
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Vasilikitsa “Kitsa” Antonopoulos, MA, CCC-SLP/L is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience supporting children and families. After earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Louis University, she gained deep clinical expertise working across pediatric hospitals, early intervention programs, and autism therapy settings.
In 2010, Kitsa founded Lumiere Children’s Therapy to create a holistic, collaborative space where children could receive personalized, multidisciplinary care. Her vision continues to guide Lumiere’s dedicated team of therapists, offering speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy and more, to help every child reach their fullest potential.

