Attention and Listening Development Guide
Attention and listening skills are important for children to be able to make sense of words they hear to respond to others.
Children have to learn to pay attention first to people, then to objects, then to people and objects. Children need to develop good attention and listening so they can learn new skills including how to use language.
Children may hear what you say but not really listen to it – they need to think about what has been said, and with practice, begin to make sense of it.
1 Year
Responds to environmental noise and familiar voices
Shows enjoyment of rhymes and songs
2 Years
Enjoys listening to stories
Recognises and responds to familiar sounds and noises
Still needs help to shift attention
3-4 Years
Concentrates on activity of own choice for 10-15 minutes
Listens to others in a one to one or small group when conversation interests them
Joins in with rhymes and stories
Begin to shift their own attention
Follows directions
4-5 Years
Listens to instructions given to a whole group
Can listen attentively for longer periods
Responds to what they have heard with relevant comments, questions or actions