Getting ready for school is about more than knowing letters and numbers. It is about listening, responding, and feeling confident in daily routines. One of the most important school readiness skills is following simple instructions.
In this Real Steps story, we share how a child built school readiness by learning to follow simple directions. This growth helped make transitions easier, reduced frustration, and created more successful learning moments.
Please note: Therapy is a highly personal experience, and, like any other treatment, results are not uniform. Several factors determine whether a child will benefit from therapy, including individual characteristics, the nature of their needs, and the quality of support they receive at home and/or school.
Why School Readiness Skills Matter
School readiness helps children feel prepared for the classroom. When children can follow simple instructions, they understand what is expected of them.
Teachers give directions all day. Sit down. Line up. Put your backpack away. Wash your hands. For children with autism, these instructions may feel overwhelming at first. Learning how to follow simple directions helps children feel safe, successful, and included.
The Starting Point: Difficulty Following Instructions
At the beginning, this child struggled to follow simple instructions. When asked to clean up, the child did not respond. When given a direction like “sit down,” the child needed repeated prompts. This made transitions difficult. It also led to frustration for the child and the adults around them. The goal was not obedience. The goal was understanding and confidence.
Breaking Down Simple Instructions
ABA therapy focuses on teaching skills in a clear and supportive way. For school readiness, therapists started with very simple instructions.
- Examples included:
- “Come here.”
- “Give me the toy.”
- “Sit down.”
Therapists gave one instruction at a time. They used a calm voice and allowed the child time to respond. When the child followed the instruction, they received positive feedback right away.
Practicing Following Simple Instructions in Daily Routines
Practice happened throughout the day.
During play, the child followed directions like “roll the ball” or “put the block in the box.”
During transitions, instructions like “stand up” or “walk to the door” helped the child prepare for movement.
Using real-life situations made learning meaningful and easier to understand.
Progress Toward School Readiness
Over time, the child began responding more consistently to simple instructions. Directions no longer felt confusing or stressful. The child followed instructions with fewer reminders and showed more confidence during activities. This growth supported school readiness by improving attention, cooperation, and participation. The child felt more successful and ready to engage in learning.
How Following Simple Instructions Supports the Classroom
Following simple instructions helps children succeed in school.
- Children move smoothly between activities.
- They participate in group learning.
- They understand classroom routines.
These skills also reduce stress and support positive interactions with teachers and peers.
How ABA Therapy Builds School Readiness
At Circle City ABA, therapists focus on building school readiness skills that matter in real life. Following simple instructions is one of the building blocks. Therapists teach at a pace that works for each child. Families are included, so skills transfer across home and school settings. ABA therapy supports progress that lasts beyond therapy sessions.
Start Your Child’s Real Steps Toward School Readiness
Every child can build school readiness with the right support. If your child struggles with following simple instructions or transitions, ABA therapy can help.
Circle City ABA partners with families to build confidence, independence, and real-life success.
Contact Circle City ABA to start ABA therapy services:
📞 Call: 317-641-0204
💻 Visit: https://www.circlecityaba.com/contact
📞 Call: 317-641-0204
💻 Visit: https://www.circlecityaba.com/contact
Small steps lead to real-life transformations. Let’s take the next step together.
Disclaimer: Every child is different. This story reflects the progress of one individual. Outcomes may vary based on several factors, including the child’s unique needs and the level of support they receive.
