As a teacher, I was very particular about things being left on the floor. Toys and things were fine when they were being used, or if you asked to leave them out for later. But, it drove me crazy when there were pencils, crayons, scissors, paper that kind of thing on the floor after the children were done with an activity. Now when they were in the midst of a creative project if things go dropped that was fine, but when you are done and cleaning up, pick them up off the floor!
One thing that I've started doing with Blake is getting him to pick up his cup and put it on the table when he is done drinking it. This is taking a while (ok I just started it with him over the weekend, but it feels like it has been forever!). Blake always has at least one water cup (usually two or three) in the living room (remember we live in Orlando.... you need to drink!) and often a milk or juice cup too. For a long time he would drink it and then just drop it wherever he was then go on to play. This led to many long hard searches for the milk cup... it was under the sink at least once, in the toy box, under chairs, in a drawer... you get the picture!
So, now that we are getting a bit older, and the new baby is on the way.... I've decided it is time for him to put the cup on a table when he is done. The first day was NOT fun... we got to play... if you aren't going to pick it up on your own, then I'll help you pick it up! He so hatesssss to have you hand-over-hand help him do ANYTHING!
Now we are getting a bit better... no we aren't to the point where he puts it on a table without reminders, but if reminded he does it on his own. And, if I'm not right next to him when he is drinking, I can walk him to the cup and he will do it when asked.
We are getting there! I figure a few more days or reminders and praise and he will be doing it on his own!
Showing posts with label following directions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label following directions. Show all posts
Try again, and again and again
Listening to and following directions... This is a skill that I know I will be working on for a longgggg time. I know this because being a teacher you work on this skill EVERY DAY with EVERY CHILD!
One thing that I used to do with children in my room was to have them do it over until they followed each step correctly. Walk to the backpacks, get your lunch, walk to your seat, and show me you are ready to leave. (child runs to backpacks) Nope now walk back over here... ok now WALK to your backpack, now get your lunch. (child follows directions this time) Thank you now walk to your seat. (child runs to seat) Nope now walk back to your backpack and WALK to your seat. (child follows directions this time) Thank you now show me you are ready to line up for lunch.
At the beginning of the year I would have to do this daily with a handful of children every year, every step, until they realized... hey she wants me to walk... DUHHHH!
I've started doing little things like this with Blake already. The other day he pulled some paper plates out of the trash can (granted his father had them sticking out the top, but still). He proceeded to throw the plates on the floor.
Mommy: Blake pick up the plates please.
Blake... picks up the plates
Mommy: Thank you, Now put them in the trash.
Blake... throws them on the floor
Mommy: Blake please pick up the plates again
Blake... picks up the plates
Mommy: Thank you, Now please put them in the trash
Blake... throws them on the floor
Mommy: Please pick up the plates again
Blake... picks up the plates
Mommy: Thank you for picking up the plates. Now throw them away in the trash please
Blake.. puts them in the trash
Mommy: Thank you Blake
Quick get out of the laundry room before he takes them out again! Yes, I know these steps take a long time. Yes, I know it would be faster to just pick them up and throw them away myself. Yes, I know it feels like you are nagging after the second time trying to get him to follow the directions. But, it is sooooo worth it!
One thing that I used to do with children in my room was to have them do it over until they followed each step correctly. Walk to the backpacks, get your lunch, walk to your seat, and show me you are ready to leave. (child runs to backpacks) Nope now walk back over here... ok now WALK to your backpack, now get your lunch. (child follows directions this time) Thank you now walk to your seat. (child runs to seat) Nope now walk back to your backpack and WALK to your seat. (child follows directions this time) Thank you now show me you are ready to line up for lunch.
At the beginning of the year I would have to do this daily with a handful of children every year, every step, until they realized... hey she wants me to walk... DUHHHH!
I've started doing little things like this with Blake already. The other day he pulled some paper plates out of the trash can (granted his father had them sticking out the top, but still). He proceeded to throw the plates on the floor.
Mommy: Blake pick up the plates please.
Blake... picks up the plates
Mommy: Thank you, Now put them in the trash.
Blake... throws them on the floor
Mommy: Blake please pick up the plates again
Blake... picks up the plates
Mommy: Thank you, Now please put them in the trash
Blake... throws them on the floor
Mommy: Please pick up the plates again
Blake... picks up the plates
Mommy: Thank you for picking up the plates. Now throw them away in the trash please
Blake.. puts them in the trash
Mommy: Thank you Blake
Quick get out of the laundry room before he takes them out again! Yes, I know these steps take a long time. Yes, I know it would be faster to just pick them up and throw them away myself. Yes, I know it feels like you are nagging after the second time trying to get him to follow the directions. But, it is sooooo worth it!
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