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Attention and Listening

Does your child find it hard to sit still?

Do they appear to ignore you?

Do they talk when they should be listening?

Do they have difficulty following instructions?

Are they easily distracted?

Can they only concentrate on one thing at a time?

Do they move quickly from one toy to another?

Do they find it very hard to complete a game or activity?

Lots of children have difficulties with their attention (concentration) and listening skills.  Children’s attention develops and matures as they get older.

Concentration difficulties impact on all areas of communication:

• following instructions
• learning and using new words
• forming sentences
• listening to and using the correct sounds in words

Children with attention and listening difficulties often end up in trouble in school or nursery.  They are not being naughty; they need someone to help develop their attention and listening skills.

How can you help?

• say your child’s name before giving an instruction so they know to listen e.g. “Tyler put your coat on”
• keep activities short and interesting
• praise them when they are listening well e.g. “great listening Evie”
• talk about how to be a good listener e.g. sit still, look at the person who is talking, only talk when it’s your turn
• go on a listening walk, talk about what you can hear e.g. birds, cars, a helicopter
• get in touch with us for more Attention and Listening game ideas and further support