Instructions are a fundamental part of everyday life, helping us navigate tasks and routines efficiently. For children, following multi-step instructions is a crucial skill that supports their independence, academic success, and social participation. Yet, many children face challenges when asked to follow more than one step, leading to frustration for both the child and their caregivers.

We explore why multi-step instructions can be difficult, their impact on learning, and strategies to support children in mastering this vital skill.

What Are Multi-Step Instructions?

Multi-step instructions involve completing tasks that require a sequence of actions.
For example, “Put on your shoes, grab your hat, and wait by the door” is a three-step instruction.

These tasks rely on the ability to:

Process language: Understand the words used to convey the instruction.
Retain information: Hold each step in working memory.
Sequence actions: Plan and execute the steps in the correct order.

Why Are Multi-Step Instructions Challenging?

Some children struggle with multi-step instructions due to difficulties in one or more areas, including:

Working Memory: Holding multiple steps in mind while performing them can be overwhelming for children with limited working memory capacity.
Language Processing: Understanding complex or unfamiliar language can make it harder to grasp instructions.
Attention and Focus: Staying engaged long enough to process, remember, and act on the instruction can be difficult, especially for children with ADHD or similar challenges.
Executive Functioning: Skills such as planning, organising, and self-regulating play a critical role in successfully following multi-step directions. Children with executive functioning difficulties may struggle to stay on track.
Sensory and Cognitive Overload: When children are overwhelmed by their environment, they may find it harder to process and follow instructions.

The Impact of Multi-Step Instructions on Learning and Development

Difficulty following multi-step instructions can affect various aspects of a child’s life, including:

Academic Success: Classroom activities often require following verbal or written instructions with multiple steps, such as completing math problems or participating in science experiments. Struggling to follow instructions can hinder progress and lead to frustration.
Social Skills: Many group games and activities require children to understand and follow multi-step rules, making it harder for those with challenges to fully engage.
Independence: Everyday routines like getting ready for school or completing chores rely on the ability to follow sequences of instructions. Without this skill, children may require extra support and experience delays in developing independence.

“Multi-step instructions rely on focus, memory, and coordination – skills every child can strengthen with the right support.”

Strategies to Help Children Master Multi-Step Instructions

With the right support and strategies, children can improve their ability to follow multi-step instructions. Here are some practical tips:

1. Keep Instructions Simple and Clear

Start with fewer steps and use straightforward language. For example, instead of saying, “Clean up your toys, get your shoes, and grab your backpack,” break it into smaller parts like, “First, clean up your toys.”

2. Use Visual Aids

Visual supports such as pictures, charts, or written lists can help children understand and remember instructions. These tools are particularly helpful for children with language processing difficulties.

3. Repeat and Rephrase

If a child doesn’t understand the instruction, repeat it using different words or break it into smaller chunks. For example, “Get your bag” can be clarified as, “Go to your room and pick up your school bag.”

4. Check for Understanding

Ask the child to repeat the instructions back to you. This ensures they’ve understood and helps reinforce the steps.

5. Provide Step-by-Step Guidance

Guide the child through each step initially, then gradually reduce support as they gain confidence and independence.

6. Encourage Active Listening

Teach children to focus by maintaining eye contact, staying still, and asking questions if they don’t understand. Use cues like, “I need you to listen carefully because I’m going to tell you three things to do.”

7. Incorporate Playful Activities

Use games like “Simon Says” or treasure hunts that involve following multi-step instructions. This makes learning fun and less stressful.

8. Use Consistent Routines

Children are more likely to remember and follow instructions when they are part of predictable routines. For instance, a morning routine might always include the steps: “Brush your teeth, get dressed, and pack your bag.”

9. Be Patient and Positive

Celebrate small successes and avoid criticism when a child struggles. Positive reinforcement encourages persistence and builds confidence.

10. Model the Behaviour

Demonstrate how to follow multi-step instructions by thinking aloud as you complete a task. For example, “First, I’m putting on my socks. Now I’ll put on my shoes. Last, I’ll tie the laces.”

When to Seek Professional Support

If your child continues to struggle with multi-step instructions despite consistent support, they may benefit from an assessment by an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist to identify underlying challenges and provide tailored interventions to improve skills in:

Working memory
Language processing
Executive functioning
Sensory integration

Mastering multi-step instructions is an essential skill that supports children’s growth in independence, learning, and social participation. By breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual aids, and fostering active listening, parents and educators can help children build confidence and competence. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference, enabling children to thrive at home, in school, and in their communities.

If your child is struggling with multi-step instructions, reach out to us to learn how we can support their development through tailored strategies and interventions.

Breaking It Down: Mastering Multi-Step Tasks