Listening is a crucial skill that children need to develop in order to communicate effectively and learn effectively. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to develop listening skills in children. With so many distractions in our modern world, from screens to noise, it can be challenging for children to tune in and focus on what is being said.
However, it is possible to help children build their listening skills through fun and engaging activities. By incorporating these activities into your child’s routine, you can help them become better listeners and communicators, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
In this week’s parenting tip, we will share 9 activities that you can try at home to help build listening skills in children. These activities are not only effective but also enjoyable, making them perfect for keeping your child engaged and motivated. Whether your child is a preschooler or a preteen, these activities can help them develop the crucial skill of active listening.
1. Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that has been used for generations to help children learn how to listen and follow instructions. In the game, one person is designated as “Simon” and gives instructions to the other players, but they can only follow the instruction if it begins with “Simon Says.” For example, “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says hop on one foot.”
The game requires children to listen carefully and pay attention to the instructions, while also developing their ability to follow directions. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that playing Simon Says can help children improve their cognitive control and selective attention skills, which are important for academic success.
2. Storytime
Reading to children is a great way to encourage them to listen and develop their comprehension skills. When children listen to a story, they are required to focus their attention, process information, and make connections between the events in the story. After reading a story, parents can ask their child questions about what they heard to help them practice active listening and recall. This can include questions about the characters, the plot, and the setting.
According to research, reading to children can improve their language development, comprehension, and literacy skills. A study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that reading to children in their first year of life was associated with higher language and literacy scores at age 4. Another study published in the Journal of Child Language found that children who were read to more frequently had larger vocabularies and better language processing abilities.
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3. Music games
Music games are a fun and interactive way to develop a child’s listening skills. Playing games like “Name that tune” or “Name that artist” can help children to develop their ability to recognize different sounds and identify musical elements. Studies have shown that playing musical games can enhance a child’s cognitive development and improve their listening skills. For example, a study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education found that children who participated in musical activities had improved auditory discrimination and cognitive flexibility.
Playing music games can also help children to learn about different types of music and expand their musical knowledge. Parents can introduce their children to different genres of music and use games to teach them about the different elements of music, such as melody, rhythm, and harmony. By playing music games with their children, parents can help their children develop a lifelong appreciation for music and its many benefits.
4. Auditory memory games
Auditory memory games are a great way to help children develop their listening and memory skills. These games require children to listen to information and then recall it accurately. Games like “repeat after me” or “remember and repeat” are simple but effective ways to practice auditory memory.
Research has shown that playing auditory memory games can improve a child’s working memory capacity and their ability to recall information. In a study published in the journal Child Neuropsychology, researchers found that playing working memory games improved children’s academic performance in areas such as reading and math.
Auditory memory games can also be adapted to different ages and skill levels. For younger children, parents can play games that involve repeating simple words or phrases, while older children can play games that involve longer and more complex sequences of information.
5. Listen and draw
This activity is a fun way to encourage kids to listen actively while expressing their creativity. Play a recording of a story, poem, or song and ask your child to listen carefully and draw what they hear. This activity helps children focus on the details of the story or song and encourages them to use their imagination and artistic skills.
Research has shown that incorporating creative activities in learning can enhance children’s cognitive development, academic achievement, and social-emotional skills. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, creative activities, such as drawing and painting, can help children develop their problem-solving skills and improve their memory and attention span. Additionally, creativity has been linked to better emotional regulation, resilience, and positive self-concept in children.
6. Listening scavenger hunt
Children love to explore and play games, and this activity combines both of these elements to help children practice their listening skills. Create a list of sounds for your child to listen for and find, such as a bird singing, a car honking, or a dog barking. Take your child on a walk around the neighborhood or a park, and ask them to listen carefully for each sound on the list.
This activity helps children to focus on the sounds around them, which can improve their auditory processing skills, attention span, and memory. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, exposure to different sounds in the environment can enhance children’s cognitive and linguistic development, and help them build their vocabulary and phonological awareness. Additionally, engaging in outdoor activities has been linked to various benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and social skills, and enhancing physical health.
7. Role-playing
Encouraging kids to practice listening skills by role-playing different scenarios is an effective way to help them develop their communication and listening skills. By simulating real-life situations like going to a doctor’s appointment or ordering at a restaurant, children learn to listen to instructions, ask questions, and respond appropriately.
Role-playing is also an excellent way to teach empathy and understanding. For example, you can have your child pretend to be a teacher and you can play the role of a student. By doing so, your child can learn to listen to the student’s perspective and understand how they feel.
8. Have a conversation
Encouraging kids to practice active listening by having regular conversations is essential for their language development and social skills. When having a conversation with your child, remind them to wait their turn and respond to what the other person said. Active listening helps children build relationships, form connections, and understand the needs of others. Moreover, it helps children develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A study conducted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that children who participated in high-quality conversations had better cognitive and social-emotional outcomes. Having a regular conversation with your child can also help build their vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills.
9. Listen and act
Playing a recording with a simple instruction and asking the child to follow it is a fun and engaging way to improve their listening skills. For example, you can play a song that has a specific movement or action associated with it, like “The Hokey Pokey” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” This game helps children learn to listen carefully to instructions and follow them appropriately. The game can be modified to fit the child’s age and skill level, and you can gradually increase the complexity of the instructions over time. By playing “Listen and Act,” children learn to pay attention, follow directions, and develop their coordination and motor skills.
In conclusion, teaching children listening skills is a vital part of their cognitive, social, and emotional development. The activities mentioned above can help children develop their listening skills in a fun and engaging way. Parents can choose the activities that are appropriate for their child’s age and skill level and make sure to provide positive feedback and encouragement to help them build their confidence and self-esteem.
