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ABThree things to remember for giving effective instructions
1. Never assume your child or student knows what you want. What feels like common sense to adults often isn’t always obvious to kids.
2. Following instructions is something kids learn by doing, not by being told once. Walking them through what the instruction looks like, practicing it together, and responding in the moment (feedback or reinforcement) gives them a real opportunity to get it right and experience success.
3. Tell them what TO do, not just what to NOT do. Avoid instructions that rely on “no” or “don’t” statements. These don’t give kids any information about what behavior you’d like to see. For example, instead of “stop kicking,” try “put your feet on the floor.” Instead of “don’t interrupt,” try “if you need me, you can say ‘excuse me’ when you want to talk.”
P.S. If we haven’t met yet—hi! I’m Jenna. I’m a behavior analyst, teacher, and mom.
I started this account to help parents and educators with practical, evidence-based strategies that actually work, so you can enjoy more peaceful days without constant power struggles.
So if you’re looking for real-life, easy-to-follow tips (without the fluff), you’re in the right place!
#bcba #behavior #parentsofinstagram
@abanaturally
