How do I break a big task into steps my child can follow?

The short answer

Begin with a specific finish line, then work backwards through the actions and decisions needed to reach it. A useful step starts with a verb, names the material or place, and can be recognised as complete: 'Put dirty clothes in the basket' is more usable than 'Be organised'. Keep only the next few steps visible, place the sequence where the task happens, and separate instructions from choices. Ask the child to test the plan because a step that looks small to an adult may still contain finding, deciding, switching or tolerating a difficult sensation. Teach any missing skill rather than dividing it indefinitely. Review the sequence against whether the child can begin, find the next action, return after interruption and recognise when the job is sufficiently finished.

• Define a visible, sufficient finish before dividing the task.
• Write actions rather than qualities, reminders or broad outcomes.
• A step may still be too large if it contains several decisions, locations or materials.
• Show only as much of the sequence as the child can use without losing the wider plan.
• Put the plan where the task happens and make completion visible.
• If the child does not know how to perform an action, teach it rather than adding smaller labels.