Speech therapy tips for teaching toddlers simple 2 step instructions
In speech therapy, we use the term simple 2 step instructions to refer to directions that require two actions and only object. For example, “Throw your ball, and then go get it.” We are asking a toddler to throw and get (2 actions) ball (1 object).
Most toddlers begin following new simple 2 step instructions around age two.
Two-step directions, however, are more complex than one-step directions, and they will help you evaluate your child’s growing understanding of action words. 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 teaching for toddler to follow simple 2 step instructions
Tip 1 - How to make these directions
It is easiest to think of 2-step directions as containing two specific actions. For example, “Get your cup and give it to me” and “Wash your hands and dry them.”
For the purpose of this lesson, the directions you give should meet the following criteria:
They should include two actions with a single object.
The directions should NOT be part of a daily routine.
They should be related to an activity your child is already doing.
For example, if you say, “Get your truck and make it fly,” your child must “get” their toy AND make it perform an action. The truck is the only item involved, and this is likely not part of a daily routine. Sticking to these criteria will help your child begin to understand and complete increasingly complex directions.
Tip 2 - Context will help your child understand
When first teaching your child to follow simple 2 step instructions, it is important to give directions related to what they are already doing. This context—like giving directions that involve an object your child is already using—will support your child’s understanding at this early stage. If they still have trouble following your directions, you can provide additional context by pointing to items or showing your child what to do.
Tip 3 - Offer your child the minimum amount of help they need
It’s best to practice at a level where your child can successfully complete your directions with the least amount of help possible. This is another way to make sure they truly understand the words you use.
Step by step, I’m going to teach you how to start weaning your child off needing help to complete two-step directions. If they complete the direction at any point, you do not need to complete the remaining attempts. Give your child praise for completing the direction. (For instance, “Yay, you got your napkin and threw it away!”)
The steps to helping your toddler follow simple 2 step instructions:
For your first attempt, offer the direction without using visual clues like pointing. You could say, “Get your napkin and put it away.”
If your child is unable to complete the direction, say it again and offer one piece of help. Tell your child, “Get your napkin and throw it away,” point toward their napkin, and then point to the trash.
For your third attempt, break the direction into two parts. Start with “Get your napkin,” and once they have gotten their napkin, walk your child toward the trash can. Then, say “Throw your napkin away.”
Finally, give the direction again before completing the entire action together with your child. Say “Get your napkin,” and hand your child their napkin. Then say “Throw it away,” walk them to the trash, open it, and guide their hand to throw the napkin out.
You’ll know your child has mastered this skill when they are able to complete your two-step directions without any help in at least four out of five tries.
Download our at home activities guide for practicing with simple 2 step instructions ↓
At home speech therapy activities for teaching simple 2-step instructions
Cleaning up Art Time
Materials:
Paper
Crayons, markers, glue, etc. that your child enjoys using for arts and crafts
A box to store your supplies in
A trash can nearby that your child knows how to use
At least two pieces of trash that is generated from the activity (such as ripped paper, packaging from crayons, etc)
Set-up:
Set up art time in a place where you want to do the activity, such as a dining table. Do arts and crafts time like you normally do. This activity will take place at clean-up. You will need to have a few pieces of trash on the table, a few art supplies, a container to put the art supplies in, and a trash can nearby.
Before you begin to give directions, you should begin the clean up process first so that you can simplify the items that are left to make it easier for your child. For example, if there are finished pieces of art on the table, set them aside so that the only items that are left are trash and crayons.
What to do:
In this activity, you will be helping your child understand 2-step directions with one object and two actions. You will tell them to get a specific object from the table, and then either to “throw it away” or “put it in the box.
When your area is ready with a few pieces of trash and a few crayons, you can tell your child “I need your help!” Then, give your first direction. Without pointing, say “Get the paper and put it in the trash.” After they do that, say “Get the scissors and put them in the box.” To count the direction as correct, your child will have to get the right item and put it in the correct location. If they get it correct, celebrate by saying what they did (“yay! You got the paper and threw it away!”) If not, repeat the direction again.
If they do not follow the direction the second time, break up the direction into two parts. Say, “get the paper” and wait for your child to get the paper. Then say, “now throw it away.” Then say “yay! You got the paper and threw it away!” when they have finished.
What to say:
Here are some examples of simple 2 step instructions you may use:
Get the crayon and put it in the box.
Get the paper and throw it away.
Get the tissue and throw it away.
Get the marker and put it in the box.
Get the glue stick and put it in the box.
Download this activity + 2 more at home activities for practicing 2 step instructions ↓
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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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