25 Simple One-Step Directions

Introduction

Following one-step directions is a common goal in speech therapy, particularly for children who are working on language comprehension, listening skills, and following instructions. While this may seem like a simple task, it lays the foundation for more complex language skills and plays a crucial role in daily life.

We’ve included this list of 25 Simple One-Step Directions to help support your child’s speech and language goals. Scroll to the bottom to read more about using popular games while targeting directions for one-step requests, why following one-step directions is so important in speech therapy, how directions for one-step commands can be effectively targeted, and practical tips for making directions for one-step requests more accessible and fun for children.

25 Simple One-Step Directions

1. Pick up your toys.
2. Put your shoes on.
3. Sit down.
4. Stand up.
5. Turn around.
6. Touch your nose.
7. Clap your hands.
8. Give me the book.
9. Raise your hand.
10. Take a deep breath.
11. Walk to the door.
12. Close the window.
13. Open the door.
14. Give me the pencil.
15. Point to the picture.
16. Come here.
17. Throw the ball.
18. Color the paper.
19. Hold my hand.
20. Look at the clock.
21. Turn on the light.
22. Pick up the paper.
23. Throw the trash away.
24. Sit at the table.
25. Find your jacket.

Using Popular Games to Target One-Step Directions in Speech Therapy

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), commonly known as speech therapists, frequently integrate structured play, including popular board games, into therapy sessions. This approach is highly effective because it makes therapy enjoyable, naturally increasing a child’s motivation to participate, which in turn supports their progress.

Further, games provide multi-sensory learning. That is, games engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, making therapy more effective. For instance, using a board game with physical movement can help reinforce concepts in a way that worksheets cannot.

Additionally, for children struggling with communication, therapy can feel intimidating. Games create a low-pressure environment, reducing anxiety and allowing them to build confidence in their speech abilities.

Here are some popular board games that can be used to target directions for one-step commands at home or in speech therapy:

1. “Don’t Break the Ice”

“Don’t Break the Ice“ is a classic children’s game where players take turns tapping out ice blocks without letting the plastic figure (a penguin) fall. In addition to its effectiveness for targeting one-step directions, it promotes fine motor skills, turn-taking, and strategic thinking, making it a great tool for speech therapy activities. “Don’t Break the Ice” can also be easily adapted for articulation therapy—take a look at this post for more details!

The following are example of one-step directions that can be used when playing “Don’t Break the Ice”:

• Pick up the purple hammer.
• Tap this piece of ice lightly (pointing to piece of ice).
• Give the hammer to me.
• Pass the penguin to NAME.
• Put the ice back in the box.

2. “Candy Land”

Candy Land is a simple, color-based board game where players move their pieces along a winding path by drawing color-coded cards. It is excellent for targeting one-step directions in speech therapy, along with WH-questions and color recognition.

Directions for one-step commands can include:

• Move to the red space .
• Pick a card.
• Point to the castle.
• Move forward two spaces.
• Go back one space.
• Hand the card to NAME

3. “Pop the Pig”

A personal favorite, Pop the Pig is a fun, interactive game where players take turns feeding the pig hamburgers until its belly pops. Players roll a die, choose a burger with a number, and press the pig’s head to inflate its belly.

In addition to one-step directions, this game can target various speech and language goals, including:

• Turn-taking & Social Skills – Encourages waiting for a turn and engaging in social interactions.
• Basic Concepts – Reinforces colors (red, yellow, green, purple) and numbers on the burgers.
• Counting & Quantitative Concepts – Helps with number recognition and understanding “more” or “less.”
• Expressive Language – Supports sentence building (e.g., “I have a red burger.”)
• Articulation Practice – Players can practice target sounds before taking their turn.

Directions for one-step requests can include:

• Roll the die.
• Pick up one burger.
• Press the pig’s head.
• Put the burger in the pig’s mouth.
• Pass the die to NAME.
• Give me a red burger.
• Pick a burger with the number 3.
• Point to a yellow burger.
• Show me the biggest burger.
• Point to the pig’s belly (or hat, etc.)
• Touch the pig’s feet.

Important Considerations for Targeting One-Step Directions in Speech Therapy

In speech therapy, one-step directions are often a key part of language intervention, especially for children with communication delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) use targeted strategies to ensure that children understand and can follow basic commands before advancing to more complex instructions.

Key strategies used in speech therapy include:

1. Clear and Concise Language: Using simple, direct language helps children process information without feeling overwhelmed. For example, instead of saying, “Please pick up your toys and put them in the basket,” the therapist might say, “Pick up your toy” or “Put the toy in the basket” (i.e., utilizing one-step directions instead of multi-step directions).
2. Visual Cues and Gestures: Visual aids such as pictures, charts, or hand gestures often reinforce spoken instructions and provide the necessary scaffolding needed to increase the chances of a student’s success in reaching his or her speech therapy goals. For example, an SLP might point to a picture of a child sitting down while saying, “Sit down,” to give the child a visual cue.
3. Repetition and Practice: Repetition is key when working on following one-step directions (and any learning task).
4. Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement and rewards can be used to reinforce successful completion of tasks. Praise, stickers, or small rewards can motivate children to keep practicing and stay engaged during therapy sessions.
5. Use of Familiar Contexts: Incorporating activities that are familiar to the child, such as playing with toys or following directions during a snack time, helps them understand that these skills are useful in real-life situations.

Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers

While speech therapy is an excellent setting for targeting one-step directions, it’s equally important to practice these skills at home or in the classroom. Here are a few tips for parents and teachers to support the child’s progress outside of therapy:

1. Start with Simple Tasks: Begin by giving clear, one-step instructions during daily routines. For example, while getting ready in the morning, you can say, “Put on your shirt,” or “Brush your teeth.” Keep it simple and consistent.
2. Make It Fun: Turn following directions into a game! Games like “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader” are fun ways to practice listening and following directions in an engaging, interactive way.
3. Use Visual Supports: Picture schedules, flashcards, or written instructions can be helpful for children who are visual learners. A picture of a child sitting in a chair can remind them to “sit down,” while a picture of shoes can prompt them to “put on your shoes.”
4. Be Patient: Every child learns at their own pace. If a child doesn’t immediately follow the instruction, give them time and positive encouragement. It’s important not to rush or overwhelm them, and to celebrate small successes along the way.
5. Break Instructions Down: If your child is struggling with one-step directions, try breaking down the task into even simpler steps. For instance, instead of saying “Clean up,” say, “Pick up the block,” and then “Put it in the box.”

Building to More Complex Directions

Once a child is comfortable with following one-step directions, you can start introducing two-step directions (e.g., “Pick up the book and put it on the shelf”). This can help children continue to build their attention span and comprehension skills.

As children become more proficient, the instructions can gradually increase in complexity. Over time, multi-step directions can be practiced, such as: “Pick up your toy, put it in the basket, and then wash your hands.” This progression is key to developing more sophisticated language skills and cognitive processing.

Conclusion: The Power of One-Step Directions

Mastering one-step directions is often a critical milestone in a child’s speech and language development. For many children, especially those with language delays, attention difficulties, or processing challenges, these simple tasks are the first step toward more complex language use. By practicing and reinforcing following directions for one-step commands both in therapy and at home, children can develop stronger listening skills, improve their ability to follow instructions, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in school and daily life.

If you’re a parent or educator, incorporating these skills into everyday routines can go a long way in supporting a child’s development. And for Speech-Language Pathologists, one-step directions offer a fantastic starting point for helping children grow and thrive in their communication skills.