Listening Tips For Caregivers

I came across the Toddler Tools Series - Listening Time by Elizabeth Verdick and found it quite useful so I would like to share some notes with anyone interested.

Listening Tips For Caregivers

1. Be a listening role model
* Try quiet, soothing tones when you speak to your child
* Use proximity to get attention (stand or kneel by your child)

2. Use hand signals
* Show “quiet” with hand, without speaking a word
* Teach your child how hands can “talk” so mouths do not have to, i.e. raise your hand for help

3. Use eyes to “listen”
* Teach your child to observe and see what to do
* Use “eyes on me” to guide your child in hearing and following instructions

4. Use of “indoor voice” and “outdoor voice”
* Model appropriate volume at different social settings

5. Steps for settling down
* Sit criss-cross-applesauce
* Hands on knees, please
* Put away the “wiggles” and “giggles”
* Be calm and still
* Zip and lock your lips with an invisible key and put it away
* Chant :
I’m quiet as a mouse.
I’m still as can be.
Who’s ready to listen?
ME!

6. Circle manners
* Keep your hands and feet to yourself
* Respect your neighbours
* Practice makes perfect

7. Light-hearted reminders and praises
* Use “listening ears”
* Reinforce with good practice