Ready to listen and learn!
One of the best way to help your child develop good attention and listening skills is by spending quality time together without distractions.
This only has to be five-ten minutes each day and can take place anywhere – while out and about, at home, and during routines such as bedtime. This will allow you to be completely focused on your child and for your child to know this is dedicated time for them.
Top Tips:
- Gain your child’s attention: make sure you have your child’s attention before speaking to them, it can help to say their name first
- Make sure your child can see you clearly: if your child can see your face, facial expressions and gestures, this will also help with gaining their attention
- Reduce the amount of distractions in the room: turning off the TV and putting away phones/devices will help you and your child focus on each other and the activity
- Follow your child’s lead: children are more likely to maintain interest if they are enjoying what they are doing
- Comment on what your child is doing: this will help your child develop their vocabulary, show them that you are interested in what they are doing, keep their attention for longer, and help to sustain shared thinking
