Developing Listening Skills
Even though we are busy, busy, busy teaching the curriculum, it is very important to help the children develop listening skills. Being a good listener is a life skill. Many children these days have difficulty focusing and attending. Everyday I do many short activities to augment these skills. Being able to focus is an essential attribute of a good listener. My theory is that if children can focus intensely on technology (e.g computer game, X-Box, etc.), they have the capacity to focus on other things (e.g. people). With that said, this is what I do... I never assume a child knows HOW to listen. During circle time, I explicitly go over what a good listener looks like what a good listener does . We role play and practice at the beginning of the year. I read Listen Buddy by Helen Lester . This book really helps in explaining WHY it is important to listen. We make a chart listing other reasons why it is important to listen....