Listening and Responding

Encouraging a child to listen and respond appropriately to others can increase their understanding of language and conversation. In return, listening and responding to children shows our respect for them and builds their self esteem.

As your child grows, you will notice how their skills change and develop; we've listed some of the changes they'll go through along with some practical ways to help you and your child listen and respond more effectively.

Young Babies (0-8 months)

Long before young babies can communicate verbally, they listen to, distinguish and respond to intonations in adults' voices. Make a note of the ways in which the gestures and sounds of your baby change when you respond to them. Encourage this response by playing games such as Peek-a-Boo. Incorporate a sense of playfulness in everyday activities to make them into a game; for example, laughing when the baby's head comes through its vest when dressing, or waiting for fingers to pop out of a sleeve.

Babies (8-18 months)

When they are in a familiar place with a key caregiver, babies can understand and respond to the different things said to them. Make sure that you notice the ways in which your baby shows you they have understood your request and note their responses to you. Try to talk to your baby about what you are doing throughout the day, so they will link words with actions; for example, getting dressed or making lunch. You may find that your child enjoys listening to tapes or CDs of rhymes and stories; some of these require children to respond, others engage them to listen.

Young Children (18-24 months)

Young children are able to respond to simple requests and understand meaning from situation or context. Different kinds of activities encourage young children to listen and respond in a variety of ways. Watch your child's reactions in play, to music, story, rhymes and TV and explore and talk about things which interest them both indoors and out. Listen to and respond to their questions.

Children (2-3 years)

Children learn new words very rapidly and are able to use them in talking about matters which interest them. Try to notice how your child begins to use words in context, such as questioning, imitating, playing or negotiating. Extend the range of the stories, songs and rhymes they know from their own and other cultures and languages. You might want to use familiar photographs to introduce new words and encourage responses.