Toddlers typically begin to follow directions with two unrelated steps just before their third birthday.

These directions include 2 different actions that are completely separate from one another. You can think of these directions as following this template: First do action 1 with item 1, Then go do action 2 with item 2. For example, “Push in your chair and go to the sink,” or “Take off your shoes and hang up your coat.”

These types of directions are more complex and therefore more challenging than two-step directions with a single item.

As you practice, keep in mind that your toddler’s success in following directions will vary based on how tired they are, their general mood, and their current level of attention. Day-to-day fluctuations are expected and completely normal. 

Speech therapy tips for practicing with 2 step unrelated directions

Tip 1 - Create two-step unrelated directions

In this lesson, we’ll focus on following directions that:

• Have two or more steps (two different actions with two different items)

• Have not been practiced before and are not part of a daily routine

• Are __NOT__ related to an activity your child is doing when you give the direction.

For example, if your child is coloring on the floor, you could tell them, *“Sit at the table and open the Play-Doh.”* If they’re playing with a babydoll, you could say, “Oh no, your shark looks hungry and sleepy! *Feed the shark* and *put him to sleep*.” 

Tip 2 - Offer the minimum amount of help your child needs

As you practice following directions with your child, it’s best to practice at a level where your child can successfully complete a direction with minimal help. Follow this step-by-step breakdown to help wean your child off of needing your assistance to complete directions. If your child completes the direction at any point, you do not need to continue with the remaining attempts. Praise your child for completing the two-step direction correctly. (“Yay, you got the cow and gave him a cookie!”).

Here are the steps:

1. Say your child is playing with a toy turtle. Start by giving the direction, “Get the cow and give him a cookie.” Don’t offer any visual clues about what you want them to do, like motioning with your eyes or hands.

2. If your child is unable to complete the direction on their own, repeat the direction and offer one piece of help, such as pointing to what you want your child to do. Say, “Get the cow and give him a cookie,” point to their cow, and then point to the cookie.

3. For your third attempt, repeat the direction again, but break it into two parts. First, say “Get the cow.” Once they grab the cow, then say “Give the cow a cookie.”

4. Finally, you can complete the direction together. Repeat the direction, and then actually help your child through the actions. Say “Get the cow and give him a cookie” as you guide your child to get the cow and feed it a cookie.

You’ll know your child has mastered this skill once they can consistently follow your directions in at least four out of five tries. 

Tip 3 - Expand your child’s vocabulary to help them follow directions

Following directions is a perfect opportunity to teach your child the meaning of new words. If you discover during practice that your child does not understand the meaning of a particular word, incorporate that word into your daily activities. For example, if you discover that your child doesn’t know what “scrub” means, talk about SCRUBBING your hands in the sink while you wash, and have them help you SCRUB pots and pans after dinner. As always, practice learning just a few words at a time to prevent you AND your child from feeling overwhelmed. 

And I will be the first to admit that thinking of these directions on the fly when you’re playing isn’t easy! We created 3 different activities with items and toys most people have. For each activity we’ve listed out directions you can practice with for this lesson!

Download our PDF activities guide for practicing with 2 step directions - speech therapy at home practice ↓

Practicing with 2 step directions - speech therapy at home activity

Washing Hands Before Snack

Materials: 

• Whatever materials you need for your child to complete the direction you have chosen

• Sink or hand sanitizer to wash hands

Set-up:

Gather the items you need for your snack so that your child sees that it is almost snack time.

What to do:

In this activity, you will be helping your child understand 2-step directions where the parts are unrelated. The second part of the direction is “wash your hands” and the first part is something else in your home.

You will practice this skill before snack time, if your child likes snacks. If they don’t, pick another daily activity that your child looks forward to. You will tell them something simple to do, and then to go wash their hands. You will say, “it is almost time for snack! But first, put your shoes in your room and wash your hands.” Or “throw the wrapper in the trash and then wash your hands”, “put the cars in the box and then wash your hands.” The first part of your direction should be something your child already does, but maybe they don’t always do it routinely before washing. 

If they follow the direction correctly, celebrate that your child did it correctly by repeating what they did (“Yay, you put your shoes away and washed your hands!”) If your child does not do it, repeat the direction again. 

If they do not follow the direction the second time, break up the direction into two parts. Say, “put your shoes away” and wait for your child to put their shoes away. Then say, “go wash your hands.” Then celebrate by repeating what they did (“Yay, you put your shoes away and washed your hands!”)

What to say:

Here are examples of 2 step directions you may use:

• “Throw the wrapper away and go wash your hands.” 

• “Put the book away and go wash your hands.” 

• “Give me my phone and go wash your hands.” 

• “Put the banana on the table and go wash your hands.” 

Download our PDF activities guide for practicing with 2 step directions - speech therapy at home practice ↓

You May Also Like These At Home Speech Therapy Tips And Activities:

• Teaching toddlers to use plural nouns

• Teaching toddlers to use verbs ending in -ing

• Teaching toddlers to tell you about what happened

Created In Collaboration By:

Stephanie Keffer, MS CCC-SLP

Stephanie Burgener-Vader, MA CCC-SLP

Melissa Sartori, MS CCC-SLP

Yvette Faire-Bostick, MS CCC-SLP

© 2020-2022. Stephanie Keffer, MS CCC-SLP. All Rights Reserved.

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