Are you looking for hacks to get kids with comprehension issues to understand instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the learner for listening carefully based on the duration of time the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time the learner is required to listen.

2. Give the learner instructions on a one-to-one basis before they begin a task.

3. Get the learner to ask for help when they need it.

4. Teach the learner the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., failing to listen to and follow instructions may result in reduced grades, etc.).

5. Train the learner to ask people to repeat portions of a conversation they were unable to follow.

6. Refrain from placing the learner in situations that require listening for an expanded duration of time such as lectures, seminars, etc. Give the information for the learner through a recording or lecture notes.

7. Urge the learner to create a 30-second definition of their goal to help remain on-task and focus.

8. Draft an agreement with the learner. It should be written within their capacity and ability level and focus on only one behavior at a time. Indicate what behavior is required and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

9. Provide directions, explanations, and instructions at an appropriate rate.

10. Teach and practice efficient communication skills. These skills include listening, keeping eye contact, and positive body language.

11. Find a peer who has excellent communication skills. Urge the learner to observe that peer and model their behavior s that promote excellent communication.

12. Train the learner to keep attention to the source of information by keeping eye contact, keeping hands free from other learning materials, and reducing other distractions.

13. Select a peer, paraprofessional, etc., to signal the learner when they need to keep attention (e.g., the person can touch the learner on the arm when it is time to listen).

14. Urge the learner to avoid ingesting any substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol, cold remedies, etc.) that might further alter their capacity and ability to direct or keep attention.

15. Make sure the learner is paying attention to the source of information (e.g., making eye contact, hands are free of other learning materials, looking at the task, etc.).

16. Let logical consequences happen due to the learner’s failure to follow oral instructions (e.g., schoolwork not done on time, homework is done incorrectly, etc.).

17. Assess the difficulty level of information orally delivered to the learner (e.g., information should be communicated on the learner’s capacity and ability level).

18. Urge the learner to say a mantra to themselves when entering a situation where they will receive instructions/information (e.g., listen carefully, listen carefully, listen carefully).

19. Teach active listening skills. Urge the learner to listen to what another person is saying and respond based on information received.

20. Get a peer to give the information that the learner does not hear.

21. Consider using a classroom management app to help the student follow directions and instructions . Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

22. Consider using Alexa to help you with classroom management. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

23. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

24. Read this article that we wrote on developing listening comprehension skills.

25. Read this article that we wrote explaining why verbal comprehension skills are important to academic success.

26. Read this article that we wrote on what you should do when your child struggles with verbal comprehension.