ABSTRACT
Using positive language rather than negative can have a huge impact on a child’s ability to follow instructions. Keeping instructions short, simple and to the point can also be helpful. For some children visual reminders need to be in place. It is often an idea to break long tasks down into smaller tasks, with photographs or drawings to show things such as morning routine before school, or the classroom end-of-day routine, or maybe a visual timetable for the day ahead in the classroom. Children may struggle to complete tasks if they are preoccupied, and they may also struggle with memory. Side-by-side talking can be effective for some children. There is a saying ‘never in the history of calming down has anyone ever calmed down by being told to calm down’ – and there is certainly some truth in this. Often children can feel that ‘why’ is a judgement or an accusation, which can leave the child feeling ashamed or challenged.
