Following Functional Directions for Speech Therapy

Practice following functional directions with 95 free, real-life prompts for speech therapy! Designed for speech-language pathologists (SLPs), teachers, and caregivers, these directions target receptive language, listening comprehension, one-step and two-step instructions, and spatial, temporal, and conditional language concepts.

Explore directions involving school, home, and community routines to support functional language skills, everyday communication, and greater independence.

How to Use These Following Directions Activities

Choose a direction below and have the student complete the task using real or sample materials. Modify the directions or substitute materials as needed to match the student’s goals, abilities, and everyday routines.

Browse Following Directions

School & Academic Routines | Home & Daily Living | Community & Independence

School & Academic Routines

One-Step Directions

1. Write your name at the top of your worksheet.
2. Open your notebook to a blank page.
3. Highlight the due date on your assignment sheet.
4. Place your completed worksheet in the turn-in folder.
5. Circle your next class on a printed schedule.
6. Open the assignment labeled “Homework” on a sample online class page.
7. Highlight the due date on a digital assignment.
8. Select the “Assignments” tab on a practice class page.
9. Check off a completed task on a digital to-do list.
10. Type your name in the name field of a sample online worksheet.

Two-Step Directions

11. Open your notebook to a blank page, then write today’s date at the top.
12. Take your worksheet out of your folder, then place it on your desk.
13. Underline the first instruction on your worksheet, then circle the due date.
14. Check off a completed assignment on your printed checklist, then circle the next task.
15. Put your finished worksheet in the turn-in folder, then return your pencil to its case.
16. Open your online class calendar, then select the assignment due tomorrow.
17. Open a sample digital worksheet, then type your name at the top.
18. Find your digital homework file, then move it into the folder labeled “Ready to Submit.”
19. Open a sample message from your teacher, then write the assignment deadline in your planner.
20. Open a practice online assignment, then mark it as complete.

Spatial, Temporal & Conditional Directions

21. Put your completed worksheet in the folder labeled “Turn In.”
22. Place your assignment calendar next to your notebook so you can check deadlines.
23. File your class notes behind the divider labeled “Science.”
24. Move the assignment marked “Due Today” to the top of your to-do list.
25. Put your permission slip inside the front pocket of your backpack.
26. Before turning in your worksheet, check that your name is at the top.
27. Write the due date in your planner after you find it on the assignment sheet.
28. After reading the instructions, underline the first task you need to complete.
29. File your notes only after writing today’s date at the top.
30. Before closing your online class page, write down the assignment that’s due next.
31. If your assignment is marked “Due Today,” place it in the turn-in folder.
32. If your schedule shows a room change, highlight the new room number.
33. If your checklist has an unfinished assignment, circle it.
34. If a practice file is labeled “Final,” move it to the folder labeled “Ready to Submit.”
35. If your assignment sheet is missing a name, write your name at the top.

Home & Daily Living

One-Step Directions

36. Put your keys in the designated spot near the door.
37. Add milk to your grocery list.
38. Place the clean towels in the bathroom cabinet.
39. Write your appointment time on the calendar.
40. Put your phone charger in your backpack.
41. Place the dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
42. Cross off a completed task on your chore checklist.
43. Put the food container in the refrigerator.
44. Place your reusable shopping bags near the front door.
45. Set an alarm for your morning appointment.

Two-Step Directions

46. Write “milk” on your grocery list, then put the list in your bag.
47. Fold a clean towel, then place it on the bathroom shelf.
48. Close the lid on a food container, then put it in the refrigerator.
49. Match your socks into pairs, then put them in a drawer.
50. Circle the appointment time on a reminder card, then add it to your calendar.
51. Put your phone charger in your backpack, then zip the backpack closed.
52. Place a plate on the table, then put a fork beside it.
53. Take the clean dishes out of the drying rack, then put them in the cabinet.
54. Check off a completed chore on your checklist, then put the checklist back on the refrigerator.
55. Write a reminder to bring your lunch, then place the reminder near the front door.

Spatial, Temporal & Conditional Directions

56. Place the grocery receipt inside the envelope labeled “Receipts.”
57. Put the TV remote between the book and the phone.
58. Place the unopened mail underneath the folder labeled “To Sort.”
59. Before putting your lunch container in your bag, close its lid.
60. After sorting the mail, place any bills in the folder labeled “Bills.”
61. Fold a clean washcloth before placing it in the bathroom drawer.
62. If your grocery list includes bread, circle it.
63. If your calendar shows an appointment tomorrow, put a star beside it.
64. If the laundry basket is labeled “Clean,” place the folded socks inside.
65. If your chore checklist has an unfinished task, highlight it.

Community & Independence

One-Step Directions

66. Put the item labeled “Milk” into your practice shopping basket.
67. Circle the price of the apples on a sample grocery flyer.
68. Highlight the closing time on a store’s posted hours.
69. Point to the closest bus stop on a simple neighborhood map.
70. Underline the departure time on a sample bus schedule.
71. Write your name on a sample appointment check-in form.
72. Circle the appointment date on a reminder card.
73. Hand your ticket to the person acting as the attendant.
74. Select the “Pick Up” option on a sample online ordering screen.
75. Place your library book in the designated return bin.

Two-Step Directions

76. Find the milk on a sample grocery flyer, then circle its price.
77. Add two items to your shopping list, then check them off as you place them in your practice basket.
78. Find the store’s opening time on a posted schedule, then write it on your planner.
79. Locate the nearest bus stop on a map, then circle the bus route that stops there.
80. Find the departure time on a sample bus schedule, then write it on your transportation checklist.
81. Complete the name field on a sample appointment form, then circle your appointment time.
82. Check the appointment date on a reminder card, then add it to your calendar.
83. Find the library’s closing time on a posted schedule, then write it on your calendar.
84. Select an item from a sample restaurant menu, then circle its price.
85. Find the return date on a library receipt, then write it in your planner.

Spatial, Temporal & Conditional Directions

86. Place your bus ticket inside the pocket labeled “Tickets.”
87. On a neighborhood map, circle the pharmacy next to the grocery store.
88. Place your library receipt behind the appointment reminder in your folder.
89. Before selecting a bus route, find the stop closest to your destination.
90. After checking the store’s closing time, circle a time when you could visit.
91. Before confirming a practice appointment, check that the date and time match your reminder card.
92. If the bus schedule shows a departure before 3:00 p.m., circle that time.
93. If the store closes before 6:00 p.m., highlight its closing time.
94. If an item on your shopping list is unavailable in the sample store flyer, mark it “Not Available.”
95. If your appointment reminder says “Bring ID,” underline that instruction.

Looking for more free speech and language resources? Explore our Free Speech Therapy Activities & Resources for problem-solving, vocabulary, and language practice.