Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Have you ever tried negotiating with your child? Can you get them to complete the tasks you want them to do? What happens when you give them instructions?
All children and adolescents seek some form of independence. That means, they want to choose activities or tasks that suit them. As adults, we need them to follow instructions for learning, for safety, and to be a successful part of their community. Some children have difficulties following instructions, routines, or sequencing events.
One of the easiest techniques in giving an instruction is by using “First (instruction/activity 1), then (instruction/activity 2).” This is a powerful and clear way to communicate an instruction with your child by providing two clear pieces of information to remember. This makes the instruction easier to understand and the steps more achievable.
What are the benefits of the ‘First and then’ instruction technique?
For younger children:
- You can break down steps within an activity. For example, when playing a game, you could say, “First roll the dice, then move your character.”
- Some children require simpler instructions to achieve skills such as ‘sitting’, which may be challenging for them. ‘First and then’ is an effective way to help break down an instruction. It teaches your child an understanding of your expectation before they receive their motivating activity. For example, “First sit, then Peppa Pig.”
- You can instruct your child to complete two unrelated activities. For example, “First we’ll read a book, then play with Mr Potato Head.”
For older children:
- You can help your child complete a non-preferred activity by pairing it with a preferred activity after. For example, “First finish your homework, then you can have the iPad”.
For adolescents:
- ‘First and then’ can also be used to understand and complete a routine. For example, “First have your breakfast, then you can go out.” or “First make your bed, then you can play on your device.”
For parents:
- This reduces the amount of language you are using to explain the task.
- It helps you clearly communicate your expectations and conveys to your child that their preference for an activity will occur.
How to use the ‘first/then’.
You can use visual symbols, photos or written words to help support your child’s understanding (as shown in the images). Remember to always pair your visuals with spoken words (for example, show your child the ‘first and then’ schedule and point to each image while saying, “First book, then Mr Potato Head.”). If your child is older and does not require visuals, you can give the ‘first and then’ instruction through speaking.
Remember to keep the instruction genuine and honour the complete instruction. If you change it, your child will have difficulty learning the skill, and your child may not trust you the next time you give an instruction.
How can a Speech Pathologist help?
A Speech Pathologist can help you learn how give instructions, provide information about your child’s language skills, and assist you and your child to learn instructions such as, ‘first and then’. We also design and create communication symbols specific to your child’s routines and needs.