Listening Skills

Be truthful, are you really a good listener? Do you interrupt, especially in those tempting pauses? At school, it is so important to be a good listener. Some children just seem to be able to take it all in (even when they aren't looking at you). Others struggle, enjoying any distraction. And children with any literacy difficulties will usually find listening a challenge, let alone managing to pick out those key words and really understand.

Recently I was on the kick-boxing and harriers collection run at around 9pm on a Tuesday. D (age 12) was picked up first then we have 20 minutes or so before B is ready. Out of the blue D put on the radio. It was tuned to Radio 4 where they were discussing how it has been scientifically proven that those with a higher IQ at the age of 11 tend to live longer. D listened. He actually listened. Usually, all stations with spoken words are rushed through in search of music. The following Thursday on the same collection run, D said, 'Let's put on the radio, Mum.' Still tuned to Radio 4 we heard about the refuseniks who will not go online. So, pre-select a station you think your child may enjoy and see if you can get the kids listening to the radio. It can make for interesting conversations too! I am looking forward to the collection run tonight.