5 Ways to Encourage Your Growing Preschoolers to Follow Directions
Following directions is a foundational skill taught by the Big Apple Academy Preschool Program, which helps children succeed in school, build social relationships, and develop independence. At BigApple Academy, we see daily how listening and responding to a preschooler's instructions lays the groundwork for not only academic achievement but also good behavior.
But as most parents know, getting a child to follow directions isn’t always easy. Sometimes they’re distracted, sometimes they don’t fully understand the request, and sometimes… they just don’t feel like doing it.
With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your child become a great listener and direction-follower. Here are five detailed preschool strategies, backed by the experience of our educators at Big Apple Academy, that you can start using today.
1. Give Clear and Simple Instructions They Can Follow
Children often tune out when instructions are too long, complex, or vague. Short, specific directions help them know exactly what’s expected.
Example:
Instead of:
“Go and get ready, put on your shoes, and get your hat from there, so we can go outside.”
Try: “Please put on your shoes.”
Once that’s done, add the next step: “Now get your hat.”
Tips to make instructions clear:
- Get their attention first: Say their name, make eye contact, or gently touch their shoulder before speaking.
- Break tasks into small steps: Give younger children one or two instructions at a time.
- Use simple language: Avoid complicated terms that they might not understand.
At Big Apple Academy, teachers often give directions in short phrases followed by a quick demonstration so children can see exactly what to do. This works exceptionally well for preschool and early elementary students.
2. Model the Behavior You Expect From Your Child
Children are keen observers. If they see you following directions, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
Example:
If your child’s teacher asks parents to label lunchboxes, do it promptly and show your child:
“Mrs. Lopez asked us to put your name on your lunchbox, so let’s do it together.”
Ways to model effectively:
- Follow household rules yourself (e.g., remove shoes at the door).
- Acknowledge directions you’re following (e.g., “The crossing guard asked us to wait, so we’re stopping here until the light changes.”).
- Demonstrate active listening by making eye contact and nodding when someone speaks.
In pre-schools, teachers make small gestures to show children how to listen. They stop what they are doing when someone speaks, look at the person speaking, and repeat the instructions out loud. This helps children understand that paying attention when someone talks is a way of showing respect.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Effort
Children respond well to praise, recognition, and small rewards. When they see that listening leads to positive outcomes, they’re motivated to repeat the behavior.
Example:
If your child quickly puts away toys when asked, you might say:
“I noticed you cleaned up right after I asked. That was very responsible—thank you!”
Ideas for positive reinforcement:
- Verbal praise
– Highlight the specific behavior (“Great job washing your hands before dinner!”).
- Stickers or tokens
– Use a simple reward chart for consistent listening.
- Extra privileges
– A few extra minutes of bedtime reading or outdoor play.
At Big Apple Academy, teachers often use “listening stars” or “helper badges” to recognize children who follow directions the first time. This makes listening feel rewarding and valued.
4. Turn Directions into Fun and Interactive Activities
Making instructions playful keeps children engaged and eager to participate.
Example:
Instead of saying,
“Put your shoes by the door,”
try:
“Let’s see if you can get your shoes to the door in ten seconds—ready, go!”
Fun approaches to try:
- Games like “Simon Says”
– Great for playfully practicing multi-step directions.
- Themed challenges
– “Pretend you’re a robot putting toys away” or “Hop to the bathroom to brush your teeth.”
- Scavenger hunts
– Give clues that require listening carefully to find the next step.
In Big Apple Academy classrooms, teachers might turn cleanup into a team race or use songs with action words to guide transitions between activities. This keeps children interested and attentive.
5. Be Consistent and Patient With Your Child
Learning to follow directions is a process, and children need time to master it. Consistency in rules and routines helps them understand expectations.
Example:
If bedtime means putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and turning off the lights at 8:00 PM, stick to that sequence every night. Over time, the routine will become second nature.
How to maintain consistency:
- Use the exact wording for recurring instructions
(“Backpacks go on the hook” instead of varying the phrasing each day).
- Keep rules clear and visible—charts or visual cues help younger children remember steps.
- Respond calmly if they forget—remind them and guide them instead of showing frustration.
At Big Apple Academy, we follow predictable daily routines. Children know what comes next, which makes listening and following directions much easier.
Parent Work Hand-in-Hand With the Preschool for Your Child’s Growth
When home and school use similar approaches, children receive a clear, unified message about the importance of listening and following directions.
At
Big Apple Academy,
we partner with parents to create supportive, structured environments where children can thrive. Whether it’s practicing at home or reinforcing skills in the classroom, consistency, patience, and encouragement make a lasting difference.
💬 Final Tip for Parents Every child develops listening skills at their own pace. Celebrate progress, be patient with setbacks, and remember—your calm, consistent guidance is the most powerful teaching tool they have.
Ready To See Your Child Flourish In A Nurturing And Structured Preschool Environment?
Contact
Big Apple Academy today to learn more about our programs and how we help children to follow directions and develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
