Listening is an active process, which is essential for any interaction. A child must be able to focus and remain focussed on the speaker despite other distractions.
Attention develops through recognisable stages to a point where the child has an integrated level of attention i.e. s/he can remain focussed on one activity while still listening to other instructions.
By 3 Years
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Can stop to listen to directions from an adult, but needs help to do this (e.g. prompts to stop, listen and refocus)
Adults must insure that s/he has the child’s visual and auditory attention before giving instructions.
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By 4 Years
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Can change focus of attention without help, but still needs to stop activity to be able to listen.
Auditory stimuli may be distracting.
A visual focus on the speaker is still important for more complex instructions.
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By 5 Years
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Can respond to questions and concentrate on an activity at the same time, i.e. the child has two-channelled attention, integrating both the auditory and the visual aspects of learning.
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Compiled using information from I-CAN and Pre-school Language Scale-3(UK)
A classroom often demands this integrated level of attention and, therefore, a child with poor attention will find this environment distracting, and be unable to focus properly.
Signs to look out for:
A child with poor listening skills may be obviously distractible e.g. unable to sit still, fidgety etc. It is also possible that the quiet child has attention difficulties.