Does anyone else feel like their children–or students–don’t REALLY listen until maybe the fourth or fifth time you say something? (It’s probably just me. 😄)

Listening is a vital part of communication, an essential skill for children to develop, and key to their success in everything from school, to relationships, to the eventual workplace.

Fortunately, there are some fun ways to practice this skill! Here are some ideas:  

🚶 Take a mindful listening walk, and challenge yourselves to hear a sound you’ve never heard before

☎️ The Telephone Game - the classic! Pass a phrase (the sillier the better) down the line or around the dinner table 

😝 Tongue twisters - try doing them call and response-style; it’s even better if you add rhythm, like clapping, to keep a beat as you say them (try “Unique New York” ten times fast!)

🖍️ Verbally describe an imagined scene, in detail, to children, and then have them draw it

🤡 Play Simon Says! 

🐒 The Zoo Game: “I went to the zoo and saw a …” choose your animal, then each person adds another one–as the game goes on, you have to remember all of them 

🙇‍♀️ Model good listening! SO important, since young children learn best by imitation. Put your phone down, make eye contact, and give children your full attention when they’re talking to you. 💞

What would you add to this list? I’m all ears. 😂 Hit reply and let me know! 

Cheers, 
Kira

PS - Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries is available everywhere now! It makes a great back-to-school gift for your young child, fellow parent, or teacher. 🍎 (And if you have it, I’d be grateful if you’d leave a review.)