Listening grows inside conversation, movement and shared attention. It need not mean prolonged quiet sitting. Try twenty seconds as sound detectives: notice one sound each, say whether it feels near or far, then move on.
A familiar picture book offers another opening. Pause once at a meaningful picture and ask what the child notices or thinks may happen. Wait. A gesture, a short phrase and an unexpected idea all belong in the conversation.
These games are invitations, not tests of concentration or language. The complete pack offers variations for different energy levels and small-group use.
Pause-and-wonder story
Practise listening, prediction and expressive language during a familiar story.
What you use
- familiar picture book
How to begin
- Look at the cover and wonder aloud what may happen.
- Pause once or twice for the child to notice or predict.
- Accept gestures and short answers as part of the conversation.
“What do you notice here?”
“What might happen next—and why?”
Offer two possible next events.
Ask the child to retell one scene from another character's view.