How to Teach a Toddler to Follow Directions

With a growing vocabulary and the ability to understand what you are saying to him, your toddler is ready to start following simple directions. By 24 months, many toddlers can understand between 500 and 700 words and follow one- or two-step directions, according to the child development experts at PBS Parents. That said, your little one will need to build his growing -- but not yet mature -- sense of self-control before he can follow your lead with ease. Start with the basics, teaching your toddler to follow directions through everyday practice that you couple with plenty of encouragement and praise.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk with your toddler often. Get him used to hearing more words, building his vocabulary and making it easier for him to follow directions. Take every opportunity to start a conversation, making him listen to you, think about what you are saying and provide an answer. For example, when your tot drops his sippy cup ask him, "Where did your cup go?"

    • 2

      Introduce your toddler to following directions with a simple two- or three-word phrase, using words he understands, such as "Pick up doll."

    • 3

      Build your directions up to two-step phrases. Create a two-direction sentence, such as "Please pick up your shoes and bring them to me."

    • 4

      Spread the directions into two distinct steps if your child is struggling to follow more than one order at a time. For example, ask him, "Can you pick up your shoes?" and then wait for him to pick up the shoes. Follow this by saying, "Bring your shoes to me" to complete the second step of the sequence.

    • 5

      Play a directions game to make learning into a fun-filled experience for your toddler. Zero to Three recommends a simple activity such as "Red Light, Green Light," which requires your toddler to respond to basic commands. Instruct your toddler to stand at least 10 feet away from you. Tell him to start walking. Hold up a red index card or cut-out red circle and say "red light" or "stop." Hold up a green card or circle and say "green light" or "go" when it's time for him to move again.

    • 6

      Praise your child when he follows your directions well. Encourage him with words such as "I'm so happy that you brought me your shoes when I asked" or "good job" after he completes a task.

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