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The Real ABCs
Teach Your Kids Listening Skills
By Jodie Lynn
"Michelle, why are you still coloring your face with the red marker?" asked Mrs. Johnson. "We are lining up to go to lunch. Didn't you hear the instructions?"
Ask any teacher what their No. 1 complaint is and I'm pretty sure it will be the stress associated with the lack of listening skills in their students. It isn't anything new. Nevertheless, it seems to be getting worse.
The lack of listening skills is a major challenge in the classroom as well as in the home. It is the cornerstone for developing interpersonal relationships, and yet it is one of the most neglected language skills in teaching environments. It is the other half of good verbal skills; it completes the cycle of communication, and it begins as early as 2 years of age.
Your 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year-old may have just started some type of education program, or even a new activity, for the very first time – or may be returning as a semi-pro. Either way, practice a few things to do in class that will help them get off on the right foot. More important, you can watch as you teach your child these things, and you will see them gain confidence in honing this new skill.
1.Teach them how to listen and demonstrate why it is necessary for good communication with others. Make it fun and try a new game: Tell them to talk, sit down and be quiet. Talk, sit down and be quiet. Talk, sit down and be quiet. Do it with them with about five seconds in between. Move it to 10 seconds and then 15. Giggles are allowed! It's repetition for this age group that helps them to learn a skill.