What is the BEST support for a student who does not understand a direction?

• A. Repeat the directive verbatim
• B. Provide a longer, more detailed explanation
• C. Break the task into smaller steps
• D. Rephrase using simple language

Answer: (D)

When a student doesn’t understand a direction, the most effective move is to rephrase it using simple, plain language. This directly reduces linguistic complexity and makes the task ask clear and concrete, so the student can hear exactly what is expected without getting tangled in difficult wording. After presenting the directive in accessible terms, you can check understanding by asking the student to restate it in their own words or demonstrate the action. Only after the student shows clear understanding should you consider additional supports like breaking the task into steps, which is useful for execution once the direction is understood. Repeating the directive word-for-word or giving a longer, more detailed explanation often doesn’t improve comprehension and may overwhelm or confuse the student.