What are some simple ways to boost listening in young children?

Question

Answer

Here are some simple ways to boost listening skills in young children:

• Talk to them naturally without “baby talk” - use simple, concrete language they understand. Introduce new words through description and context. Respectful speech engages them.
• Vary tone and expression to emphasize key words and concepts. Be lively and animated to hold their attention - monotone speaking causes tuning out. Use pauses and short sentences to avoid overwhelming them.
• Use concrete vocabulary they grasp. Explain new words slowly and clearly.
• Explain how and why we listen - give them a purpose. Rather than just directing them to use their “listening ears,” share the reason for attentive listening, whether it’s solving a mystery in a story or following important instructions.
• Remember, everything is new for them. Explicitly teaching listening skills by explaining their purpose makes sense, given children’s limited experience and brief attention spans. Setting an engaging objective helps them focus.

Simple techniques like a lively tone, clarifying unfamiliar terms, providing a context, and explicitly stating listening goals give children the tools to build this vital ability.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course Promoting Listening Skills in Young Children, presented by Amber Tankersley, PhD.