Games and Toys That Help Toddlers Follow Directions

The short answer: following directions is about understanding words, and play is the easiest place to practice. Start with one-step directions plus a gesture, like holding out your hand and saying "give me the ball." Then drop the gesture, then try two steps. Toys with pieces to move, sort and put places make it a game instead of a test.

What to expect by age

Age	What most children do
15 months	Follows directions given with both a gesture and words (CDC)
18 months	Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say "Give it to me" (CDC)
19–24 months	Follows two-step directions, like "Get the spoon, and put it on the table" (ASHA)
30 months	Follows two-step instructions like "Put the toy down and close the door" (CDC)

ASHA and the CDC place two-step directions at different ages, which shows how wide the normal range is. Watch for steady progress rather than a date.

Direction games to play

• Give me, show me. "Give me the bear." "Show me the red one." Start with your hand out and point, then try it with words only.
• Put it in. "Put the bear in the cup." Counting bears, blocks and a bucket are perfect.
• Silly body directions. ASHA's own examples include "Hug the teddy bear" and "Show me your nose." Make them funny: "Put the bear on your head!"
• Two steps. Once one-step directions are easy, ASHA suggests trying two, like "Get the ball and put it in the box."
• Clean-up games. "Cars in the bin, then books on the shelf" is a two-step direction with a built-in reward.

Tips that make it easier

• Get close and get their attention first. Say your child's name and wait until they look at you.
• Say it once, clearly, then help. If they don't follow, show them with a gesture instead of repeating louder.
• Keep it short. "Bear in cup" is easier than "Can you put the little bear inside the blue cup for me?"
• Make it a game, not a test. Swap roles and let your child give you directions too.

Toys we like for direction games

• Counting Bears with Matching Cups (100 Pieces): "Put the red bear in the red cup" builds color words and listening together. Our notes list hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and imagination. Listed for ages 3–4.
• Montessori Busy Board (Clocks): "Turn the knob." "Press the button, then flip the switch." Our son loves flipping the switches and turning the knobs. Listed for ages 1–2.
• Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set: "Scoop the sand, then pour it in the bucket." Listed for ages 3–4.
• Dinosaur Sensory Bin with Play Sand: "Find the green dinosaur and hide it in the sand." Our son played with this set for hours. Listed for ages 3–4.

Choking hazard: small pieces like counting bears are for children 3 and up. For younger toddlers, use big blocks, balls and stuffed animals.

When to check in

If your child often doesn't seem to understand simple words or directions, mention it to your pediatrician. Sometimes the answer is a hearing check, and sometimes it's a speech-language evaluation. The CDC advises parents to "talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening."

More ideas: first-word toys, two-word phrases and our speech and language toys.

Common Questions

When do toddlers follow one-step directions?

By 15 months, most children follow directions given with both words and a gesture, and by 18 months, most follow simple one-step directions without a gesture, like "Give it to me," according to the CDC.

When do toddlers follow two-step directions?

ASHA lists two-step directions between 19 and 24 months, and the CDC lists them by 30 months. The range is wide, so look for steady progress.

What games help toddlers follow directions?

Give-me and show-me games, putting toys in containers, silly body directions like "touch your nose," and clean-up games. Keep directions short, get your child's attention first, and show them if they need help.

What should I do if my toddler doesn't follow directions?

Toddlers often ignore directions because they're busy, not because they don't understand. If your child rarely seems to understand simple words, talk with your pediatrician about a hearing check or a speech-language evaluation.