Like a muscle, your child’s listening skills need constant exercise in order to grow stronger. Kindermusik classes give your child weekly opportunities to “exercise” and develop listening skills as we listen to specific sounds, listen to many various instrumental sounds, listen to directions and musical cues, listen to suggestions from your Kindermusik Educator for ways to participate in class activities, listen to encouragement from you to participate and share ideas, listen to various styles of recorded and live music and singing, and of course listen to ideas from other parents and students!
A good listener is able to focus attention on what he/she hears. Becoming a good listener will help your child:
- Learn more quickly and effectively for later academic success
- Heed danger signals
- Get along better with you and other adults
- Make better friends
There are many things you can do to help your child develop listening skills. Your example speaks volumes to your child if you are a good listener, chances are, your child will learn good listening skills from you! If you ask your child “listening” questions, then your child’s neural network will learn to listen. For some great articles that contain tips for helping your child develop listening skills, check out the following links:
Getting Your Toddler to Listen (8 easy steps)
Fun Activities to Promote Listening Skills (by Learning Style)
How Can Parents Model Good Listening Skills?
Compiled by Theresa Case, whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.