One mistake that adults sometimes make in giving directions to children and youths is to phrase directions as questions. Another is to give directions as if they are advice. Here are some examples of each:
- Asking questions:
- O.K., everyone, why don’t you turn in your work now?
- Where are your pen and paper supposed to be?
- Jimmy, don’t you think it would be a good idea to clear your desk and get ready for reading?
- If you think about it just a little bit, wouldn’t you think that other people would rather you put your trash in the trashbasket?
- What should you be doing right now?
- What part of ‘get a move on’ don’t you understand?
Continue reading ‘Better and Worse Ways of Giving Directions’
