Learning how to Listen

Why would a smart 8-year-old have problems listening to teachers' instructions? No hearing problems have been found. Do you have any ideas? -- Puzzled
Answer: Many children have never learned to listen. Listening is not the same thing as hearing. Hearing is a passive activity. For example, children hear thunder, the car engine and bees buzzing. Listening involves active participation of their brain. What they hear must register in their brain. Listening is an extremely important skill -- one that is closely related to academic success in school.
First of all, you want to be sure that you listen to what your child is saying. Set a good example by making eye contact with your child and responding to what the child says.
Fortunately, parents can improve their children's listening skills through activities that are fun. Try some of these with your child to help him become a better listener:
1. Make a habit of reading to your child and pausing to ask questions about what has been read.
2. Make a deliberate error in what you are reading and see if your child catches it. For example, call the cat in the hat a dog in the hat.
3. Play Simon Says, 20 Questions and Junior Trivial Pursuit.
4. Share family activities at the dinner table.
5. Talk to your child about activities that interest him or her.
6. Clap your hands in different patterns, and have your child imitate them.
7. Listen to a favorite TV program for a few minutes, then have your child shut his or her eyes and identify the speakers.