WAYS TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN

Being responsive

Children of all ages need adults to be responsive. They need adults to show interest in them. This helps them to talk. There are many ways to be responsive to children.

a. Make eye contact – Make eye contact as you talk to a baby

b. Smile – smile when a baby babbles

c. Listen to what is being said

d. Be interested

e. Be on the same level as the child

f. Point out – Point out things to a baby

g. Talkback  – Talk back to a baby even if you do not understand them.

h. Talk – Talk while you are doing things with the baby.

i. Make – Make lots of facial expressions

j. Active listening – Active listening is a set of skills. Adults who are good listeners use these skills. You can learn these skills. They help you to work well with children.