Following one-step directions: how the skill grows from 15 to 26 months
Following one-step directions means carrying out a simple request said in words alone, like "Give me the spoon." It shows a child understands the words themselves, not just your hands or the situation. Following a one-step direction without any gestures is a CDC 18-month milestone. Requests about familiar routines usually come first; unexpected or silly requests follow as vocabulary grows.
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Following one-step directions: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: With a gesture. Brings the cup when you ask and point at it.
Activities that fit this step
- Teddy Goes Up, Down, Under · 13–22 months · 3–8 min
- Peekaboo Sleeve Push · 14–24 months · 2–5 min
- Climb the Stairs to Teddy · 15–30 months · 3–8 min
Next step: Words only. Puts the ball in the basket when you simply say so.
Activities that fit this step
- Peekaboo Sleeve Push · 14–24 months · 2–5 min
- Climb the Stairs to Teddy · 15–30 months · 3–8 min
- Grocery Tote Unpack · 16–26 months · 5–10 min
Next step: New requests. Carries out something unusual, like "Put teddy on your head."
Activities that fit this step
- Blanket Wave Teddy Bounce · 17–28 months · 5–10 min
- Tote Bag Fetch Mission · 17–28 months · 5–10 min
- Hoop Bus Walk · 18–28 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Out of sight. Goes to fetch something you ask for that is in another room.
Activities that fit this step
- Hoop Bus Walk · 18–28 months · 5–12 min
- Sticky Note Body Spots · 19–30 months · 5–10 min
- Ready-Set-Go Chalk Dash · 19–31 months · 5–12 min
Top of the ladder (out of sight). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Sticky Note Body Spots · 19–30 months · 5–10 min
- Ready-Set-Go Chalk Dash · 19–31 months · 5–12 min
- Silly Sock Directions · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
The following one-step directions ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 15 to 26 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Routine phrases
Goes to the door when you say "shoes on" at the usual time of day.
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With a gesture
Brings the cup when you ask and point at it.
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Words only
Puts the ball in the basket when you simply say so.
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New requests
Carries out something unusual, like "Put teddy on your head."
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Out of sight
Goes to fetch something you ask for that is in another room.
When following one-step directions usually shows up
This page follows following one-step directions from 15 to 26 months, a window that spans the 15-month, 18-month and 24-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 10 activities practise following one-step directions (1 as their main skill), for ages 13 to 34 months. 3 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 18 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve following one-step directions. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 18 months | Follows a one-step direction given in words alone, like handing you a toy when you only say "Give it to me." |
Activities that practise following one-step directions
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 3 gross motor, 3 language, 2 practical life, 1 creativity & pretend and 1 early concepts. Quickest to start: Peekaboo Sleeve Push (2–5 minutes).
Step 2: With a gesture
Step 3: Words only
Step 4: New requests
Step 5: Out of sight
Skills practised alongside
The activities for following one-step directions most often also work on body parts (3), household helping (2), taking turns (2), action songs (1) and following two-step directions (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Get close and at eye level before you ask.
- Keep routine phrases the same every day: "Hands up", "Shoes on", "Bath time".
- Make silly one-step requests in play: "Give the dog a kiss."
- Count to five in your head before helping or repeating.
What to avoid
- Long sentences that pack in several ideas; one short request at a time works best.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If at 18 months your child does not follow simple directions given only in words, mention it at the visit; checking hearing is a common first step.
Worried about following one-step directions between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start following one-step directions?
Following a one-step direction without any gestures is a CDC 18-month milestone. Requests about familiar routines usually come first; unexpected or silly requests follow as vocabulary grows. The first step to look for: goes to the door when you say "shoes on" at the usual time of day.
How can I help my toddler with following one-step directions?
Get close and at eye level before you ask. Keep routine phrases the same every day: "Hands up", "Shoes on", "Bath time". A good first activity is Teddy Goes Up, Down, Under (13–22 months).
What should I avoid when practising following one-step directions?
Long sentences that pack in several ideas; one short request at a time works best.
When should I mention following one-step directions to the pediatrician?
If at 18 months your child does not follow simple directions given only in words, mention it at the visit; checking hearing is a common first step. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.