Decoding Teacher Comments

Struggles to Follow Directions

Alisha Williamson, Ed.S.

When a teacher notes your child "struggles to follow directions," they're likely seeing your kid having trouble with classroom instructions—either academic tasks going unfinished, transitions between activities being rough, or classroom behavior expectations not being met.

• Get the details - Ask for specific examples of when this happens. Is it during certain activities? At particular times of day? Understanding the context makes all the difference.
• Learn current approaches - Find out what strategies the teacher is already using and what specific behaviors they're hoping to see.
• Schedule a three-way meeting - Consider a positive, no-blame chat with you, the teacher, and your child. This ensures everyone hears the same expectations and feels part of the solution.
• Practice at home - Reinforce similar direction-following at home, celebrating small wins when your child follows multi-step instructions.

Key Takeaway: Kids who challenge directions aren't typically being defiant—they may process information differently or need instructions delivered in a way that works for their learning style. With consistent support from both home and school, direction-following can improve dramatically.

Struggles to Follow Directions

Alisha Williamson, Ed.S.

When a teacher notes your child "struggles to follow directions," they're likely seeing your kid having trouble with classroom instructions—either academic tasks going unfinished, transitions between activities being rough, or classroom behavior expectations not being met.

• Get the details - Ask for specific examples of when this happens. Is it during certain activities? At particular times of day? Understanding the context makes all the difference.
• Learn current approaches - Find out what strategies the teacher is already using and what specific behaviors they're hoping to see.
• Schedule a three-way meeting - Consider a positive, no-blame chat with you, the teacher, and your child. This ensures everyone hears the same expectations and feels part of the solution.
• Practice at home - Reinforce similar direction-following at home, celebrating small wins when your child follows multi-step instructions.

• Key Takeaway: Kids who challenge directions aren't typically being defiant—they may process information differently or need instructions delivered in a way that works for their learning style. With consistent support from both home and school, direction-following can improve dramatically.

Difficulty Staying on Task

Alisha Williamson, Ed.S.

When your child's teacher mentions "difficulty staying on task," they're likely noticing your child struggles to complete assignments in the given time, remains in their assigned area, or maintains focus on the current activity.

• Get specific examples - Ask the teacher when this behavior happens most. Is it during certain subjects, times of day, or activities?
• Learn current strategies - Find out what approaches are already being used in the classroom to help your child stay focused.
• Team up with the teacher - Suggest additional ideas like seat placement near the teacher, breaking assignments into smaller chunks, or allowing movement breaks.
• Reinforce at home - Practice similar expectations during homework time and celebrate when your child shows good focus, even for short periods.

Key Takeaway: Most kids who struggle with staying on task aren't being deliberately difficult—their brains simply process things differently. With consistent support and the right strategies, they can develop better focus while still honoring their natural energy and curiosity.

Difficulty Staying on Task

Alisha Williamson, Ed.S.

When your child's teacher mentions "difficulty staying on task," they're likely noticing your child struggles to complete assignments in the given time, remains in their assigned area, or maintains focus on the current activity.

• Get specific examples - Ask the teacher when this behavior happens most. Is it during certain subjects, times of day, or activities?
• Learn current strategies - Find out what approaches are already being used in the classroom to help your child stay focused.
• Team up with the teacher - Suggest additional ideas like seat placement near the teacher, breaking assignments into smaller chunks, or allowing movement breaks.
• Reinforce at home - Practice similar expectations during homework time and celebrate when your child shows good focus, even for short periods.

Key Takeaway:  Most kids who struggle with staying on task aren't being deliberately difficult—their brains simply process things differently. With consistent support and the right strategies, they can develop better focus while still honoring their natural energy and curiosity.

Hesitates to Participate

Alisha Williamson, Ed.S.

When your child's teacher notes they "hesitate to participate," it typically means they're not jumping into class discussions or they wait for extra confirmation before starting work. But what's really going on?

• Talk with your child - Ask open-ended questions like "How do you feel when it's time to share ideas in class?" Listen without judgment.
• Connect with the teacher - Request specific examples. Is this happening in all classes or just certain situations?
• Create simple strategies - Maybe set a goal of raising their hand twice a day, or ask the teacher to give your child a heads-up before calling on them.
• Practice at home - Role-play classroom situations in a low-pressure environment.

Key Takeaway: Understanding the "why" behind classroom hesitation is more important than pushing for immediate change. With teamwork between you, your child, and their teacher, participation anxiety can be overcome one small step at a time.

Hesitates to Participate

Alisha Williamson, Ed.S.

When your child's teacher notes they "hesitate to participate," it typically means they're not jumping into class discussions or they wait for extra confirmation before starting work. But what's really going on?

• Talk with your child - Ask open-ended questions like "How do you feel when it's time to share ideas in class?" Listen without judgment.
• Connect with the teacher - Request specific examples. Is this happening in all classes or just certain situations?
• Create simple strategies - Maybe set a goal of raising their hand twice a day, or ask the teacher to give your child a heads-up before calling on them.
• Practice at home - Role-play classroom situations in a low-pressure environment.

Key Takeaway: Understanding the "why" behind classroom hesitation is more important than pushing for immediate change. With teamwork between you, your child, and their teacher, participation anxiety can be overcome one small step at a time.