Communication is a two-way process in which an individual expresses an idea, opinion or feeling, and another person acknowledges that transmitted message. Considering oral communication, one speaks, the other one listens. This means that improving communication is not only enhancing how to speak, but also how to listen. See below some ideas of how to develop and improve listening skills in your children:
Simon Says. A classic game among children, one player gives commands to the rest of the players, which they must follow. 'Put your hand on your head' or 'jump on one leg' are common examples of commands. They will only do the actions if the speaker says "Simon says" before providing the command. The players are penalised if they do the activity without hearing "Simon says." Kids will learn to truly hear what someone is saying to them if they are taught to listen for not just a command but also a specific phrase.
Musical Chairs. This game is lot more fun when there are a big number of participants. It's a terrific game to play at a party or in the classroom. Everyone takes a seat in a chair, and soon music begins to play. While one of the seats is being removed, they must walk (or dance!) around it. When the music stops, everyone is required to take a seat. The last person standing is eliminated. Although it may appear to be a game of chance, children will improve their listening skills by learning to draw the link between hearing the music stop and taking action.
Sound Hunt. Take your child outside and have them name all of the noises they hear. You may go to a forest, a park, or a railway station near an industrial site. It's best to go somewhere with a wide range of noises. Ask your child what they can hear without assisting them. This develops active listening; kids aren't listening for a specific sound or instruction in this exercise. They learn to pay close attention to their environment.
Listen to the Story. Propose that your kid close their eyes and listen to you read a tale from a book without seeing the pictures, or that both of you close your eyes and listen to a story from a podcast, audiobook, or just watching a TV show with your eyes shut. In the morning, ask them to think about how he or she will illustrate the story for you.
Watch this video from Kreative Leadership with some interesting activities to stimulate listening skills:
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