Following Instructions

When you are given an instruction, you should:

Look at the person who is talking.
Show that you understand. (Say, “I understand,” “Okay,” or “I’ll do it.”) Make sure you wait until the person is done talking before you do what is asked. It is usually best to answer, but sometimes nodding your head will be enough to show the person that you understand.
Do what is asked in the best way you can.
Check back with the person to let him or her know you have finished.

Reasons for using the skill, Following Instructions: It is important to do what is asked because it shows that you can cooperate and lets you get back to doing the things you like to do. Following instructions will help you in school, at home, and with adults and friends.

After you know exactly what has been asked, start the task immediately.
If you think that doing what is asked will result in some type of negative consequence for you, or you don’t understand, ask a trusted adult.

Do what is asked as pleasantly as possible.

Check back as soon as you finish. This increases the chances that you will get credit for doing a job well. It also means that somebody else won’t have time to mess it up before you check back.

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