Listening carefully
(All ages)
It's important to develop your child's communication skills. Teach them how to look, listen and take turns.
Help your child to tune into different sounds. One way that you can help them is point out subtle differences between sounds. For example, the sound an aeroplane makes and the sound a helicopter makes.
This will help them later in their learning with phonics and literacy. They'll have to hear the difference between 'p' and 'd'.
What do we need?
'Noisy' items from around your home – instruments and other objects that make a noise.
What to do
Using everyday items let your child explore sounds. Look for scrap paper, bubble wrap and tissue paper. Model scrunching them up, tearing, popping, and rustling.
Model careful listening. Show this through:
- your facial features
- turning your head to the sounds
- giving your attention to the papers and noises
When your child can sit up and they're steady and independent they'll enjoy playing with containers that have a variety of rattles inside. Collect recycled tubs and cardboard tubes with lids. Place objects inside that will make different noises. Include soft noises, such as feathers or flour, and loud rattles such as Duplo bricks and teaspoons. Again, show you're listening as they shake the containers. Cup your ear and comment on the type of noise they're making.
When your child can crawl or walk, play hide and seek games. Hide a musical toy, egg timer or alarm and encourage your child to follow the noise and find the object.
For older children use books to develop your child's listening skills. Try 'The Three Little Pigs', ask your child to blow and blow as the wolf 'huffs and puffs' the houses down. Make body sounds. When the little pigs 'run' away ask them to pat their knees. This resembles the pitter, patter of the pig's trotters.
Have fun playing games such as 'Simon says' to develop your child's listening skills.
All ages of children can go on a listening walk. Start with showing you're listening, 'What can I hear?' … 'I can hear the aeroplane.' (Point up to the noise). Older children can make a collection of noises as they walk, see if you can identify ten noises.
Skills your child will learn
Communication skills – look, listen and take turns
Babies who are non-verbal love to hear our voices and make a connection with us.
Toddlers will love to help you with your day to day tasks. The tasks make them feel grown-up and important. When you ask them to help, check if they're understanding you. If you ask them to help you 'Find their pyjamas', see if they comprehend. You may need to model and explain if they don't. Always start your conversation with their name first. This will help them to tune into you and see that it's relevant for them to listen. For example: "Mohammed, find your pyjamas please".
Pre-school and Reception age children will be developing their listening skills further. They may be able to follow two-part instructions. For example: "Libby wash your hands and sit down at the dinner table". You can have fun playing games such as 'Simon says' to develop their listening skills.