RL.D Responding to Directions Involving Action Words

In Sequence RL.C the child learns to choose between objects and pictures. Objects will be used in this sequence, too, but here the emphasis is on action words and phrases. The action words that the child learns through these activities will help her to follow directions in her daily life, give her the means to understand the conversation of others and, most importantly, give her a sound basis for using such words and phrases in her own speech.

The skills in this sequence begin at the 18 months’ level of ability. By this stage, the child will already understand simple action directions such as ‘look’, ‘take’, ‘point’ or ‘give’. If you are in doubt about your child’s understanding of these words, look at Sequence RL.B.

This sequence introduces new action words and, at the same time, teaches the child to follow increasingly complicated directions. For most skills, we will describe teaching activities that can be used in special teaching sessions at a table. Many children find initial learning easier in a setting where their entire attention can be directed to the crucial words and actions. But these structured activities should be seen only as a starting point. Teaching and learning must also occur in the environments in which these skills will normally be used. You will find some suggestions for this under Playtime and Round-the-house Activities, but trust your own ideas too.

Where objects are involved, choose objects that your child knows well – perhaps from the activities in Sequence RL.C. Where the child must choose between objects, as well as demonstrating actions, make sure that she has already learned to select from the number of objects specified. Your D.S.I. will help you to see the way in which Sequences RL.C and RL.D interrelate.

Below we list all the skills in this sequence.