Following two-step directions: how the skill grows from 20 to 36 months
Following two-step directions means holding two actions in mind and doing them in order, such as "Get your hat and put it on the chair." It stretches working memory as well as understanding of words. Following a two-step instruction is a CDC 30-month milestone. Two steps that belong together in a familiar routine are usually easier than two unrelated ones.
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Following two-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: Linked steps in routines. Takes off shoes and puts them in the basket by the door.
Activities that fit this step
- Silly Sock Directions · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Hand-Wash Picture Steps · 24–36 months · 2–5 min
- Teddy's Two-Step Picnic · 25–34 months · 5–15 min
Next step: Linked steps in play. Picks up teddy and lays him in his bed when asked.
Activities that fit this step
- Silly Sock Directions · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Hand-Wash Picture Steps · 24–36 months · 2–5 min
- Teddy's Two-Step Picnic · 25–34 months · 5–15 min
Next step: Unrelated steps. Touches their nose and then claps, in that order.
Activities that fit this step
- Hand-Wash Picture Steps · 24–36 months · 2–5 min
- Teddy's Two-Step Picnic · 25–34 months · 5–15 min
- Under, Over, Through Car Roads · 25–35 months · 8–15 min
Next step: Two steps anywhere. Follows a two-part instruction from another caregiver or in a new place.
Activities that fit this step
- Teddy's Two-Step Picnic · 25–34 months · 5–15 min
- Under, Over, Through Car Roads · 25–35 months · 8–15 min
- Chalk Road Car Trip · 27–36 months · 10–20 min
Top of the ladder (two steps anywhere). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Teddy's Two-Step Picnic · 25–34 months · 5–15 min
- Under, Over, Through Car Roads · 25–35 months · 8–15 min
- Chalk Road Car Trip · 27–36 months · 10–20 min
The following two-step directions ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 20 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Does half
Picks up the hat but forgets where it was meant to go.
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Linked steps in routines
Takes off shoes and puts them in the basket by the door.
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Linked steps in play
Picks up teddy and lays him in his bed when asked.
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Unrelated steps
Touches their nose and then claps, in that order.
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Two steps anywhere
Follows a two-part instruction from another caregiver or in a new place.
When following two-step directions usually shows up
This page follows following two-step directions from 20 to 36 months, a window that spans the 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 5 activities practise following two-step directions (2 as their main skill), for ages 24 to 36 months. Each needs a few minutes of setup. By age, they sit closest to steps 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder, most (4) on “Linked steps in play”.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 30 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve following two-step directions. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 months | Follows a two-step instruction, like "Pick up your hat and put it on the chair." |
Activities that practise following two-step directions
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 2 language, 1 creativity & pretend, 1 early concepts and 1 practical life. Quickest to start: Hand-Wash Picture Steps (2–5 minutes).
Step 3: Linked steps in play
Step 4: Unrelated steps
Skills practised alongside
The activities for following two-step directions most often also work on pretend sequences (2), spatial words (2), body parts (1), following one-step directions (1) and hand washing (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Start with two steps that naturally go together in a routine.
- Say them slowly with "first... then...": "First socks, then shoes."
- Play silly body games: "Touch your toes, then jump."
What to avoid
- Adding a third step before two-step requests feel easy.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If your child does not follow two-step instructions by 30 months, or seems to understand few everyday words, bring it up at the checkup.
Worried about following two-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 two-step directions?
Following a two-step instruction is a CDC 30-month milestone. Two steps that belong together in a familiar routine are usually easier than two unrelated ones. The first step to look for: picks up the hat but forgets where it was meant to go.
How can I help my toddler with following two-step directions?
Start with two steps that naturally go together in a routine. Say them slowly with "first... then...": "First socks, then shoes." A good first activity is Hand-Wash Picture Steps (24–36 months).
What should I avoid when practising following two-step directions?
Adding a third step before two-step requests feel easy.
When should I mention following two-step directions to the pediatrician?
If your child does not follow two-step instructions by 30 months, or seems to understand few everyday words, bring it up at the checkup. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.