Attention Games

• Games that require the child to pay attention can improve his listening skills. These games enhance listening skills by requiring the child to listen closely and focus attention to win. The games can be as simple as playing a round of Simon Says or I Spy. Some board and card games require listening to instructions which can only be provided once, then children must follow the instructions.
  
  

Make Mistakes

• Kids love catching adults making mistakes. Give children points or prizes for catching "mistakes" such as saying something silly or the opposite of what is intended. Let them know in advance this is the plan, so they will be listening closely for mistakes. For example, insert silly words into conversation or lessons, or give children a specific word for which to listen. Make an obvious error such as "The sky is green" or "The tyrannosaurus was the most vicious bird that ever lived."
  
  

Repeat Information

• If a child knows they will have to repeat the information provided, he is more likely to listen closely. For example, classroom teachers could periodically stop a lesson and ask a child to summarize the information provided so far. Parents can ask children to repeat the instructions they were just given.
  
  

Positive Reinforcement

• The most important rule for encouraging any appropriate behavior is providing positive reinforcement. This may be done spontaneously or with any of the previous suggestions. For example, if a normally inattentive child listens and responds appropriately, praise him immediately. Use a sticker chart each time a child listens appropriately. When a teacher asks a student to summarize a lesson or answer a question about it, provide praise for correct responses or hand out tickets, stars or other tokens that could be used in a contest or to obtain items from a classroom store. When appropriate behaviors are positively reinforced, they are more likely to be repeated.
  
  

Model Skills

• Children learn by example. When the adults around them model appropriate listening skills, children are more likely to use good listening skills themselves. When a child asks a question, look at them, give them your direct attention and give them a response. If it is not an appropriate time to respond, let the child know that his question is important and you will give a response at a more appropriate time. Make sure you do what you say and give the child your attention as soon as you reasonably can.