Improving Direction Following

My second-grader is having problems at school because she doesn't follow directions very well. The teacher says that my daughter seems to be paying attention but doesn't always remember everything that she has to do, especially when given a set of several directions. I've noticed that we often have to repeat directions to her at home. How can we help her follow directions better? -- Want Suggestions
Answer: Help your daughter get better at following directions at home, and it should carry over to school. Here are some tips:
1. Keep directions short and simple.
2. Don't give too many directions at once.
3. Have your child repeat the direction.
4. Tell your child what to do rather than what not to do.
5. Play games that require following simple directions.
6. Once your child can follow simple directions, increase their complexity.
7. Offer genuine praise when your child follows directions.
At school, suggest to your child that she get in the habit of jotting down all the assignments that the teacher gives. She could also repeat them to herself. Your child may pay better attention to what the teacher says if she sits in the front of the classroom.
Of course, not being able to follow directions can also be a sign of an attention-deficit disorder. Even if this should be the case with your daughter, our tips will still help her follow directions better.