Developing listening and attention
The Early Learning Goal that pre-school practitioners will be helping your child to achieve is:
‘Children listen attentively in a range of situations. They listen to stories, accurately anticipating key events and respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions. They give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately, while engaged in another activity.’
(Statutory Framework for the EYFS, 2017)
Top Tips to support listening and attention
a) Don’t worry about the age norms listed above. Children develop at very different rates and these are only a guide. The most important thing is that you provide your child with ‘Special Time’ in an environment that has as few distractions as possible. See Creating Special Time at home.
b) Don’t expect too much. If you say, ‘just one more minute’, then stick to that.
c) Concentrate for short periods of time.
d) Follow your child’s lead, as they are more likely to maintain interest if they’re doing something they enjoy. See Interacting with your child.
e) Work on reducing distractions and background noise where you can.
f) If possible, create a cosy and quiet space for book sharing and Special Time. This may be a pop-up tent in the living room or a rug in your child’s bedroom.
g) When you are outside in the park, play games where your child has to run to the swings and then the slide, etc.
h) Go for a ‘listening walk’ and talk about all the noises you can hear.
Web links
Check out these pages to find lots more information and great ideas.
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