ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ATTENTION AND LISTENING AT LEVEL 1

 

Level 1:

Acknowledging the presence of another person:

• Encourage the child to look at you and share attention. Use silly noises and voices, singing and pulling faces to gain attention.
• Use noisy or flashing toys, mirrors, bubbles, pop up toys, fans and feathers to gain attention and encourage anticipation.
• See ‘People Games’ in the Play section for more ideas

 

Looking, following and tracking objects:

• Play with interesting toys and encourage the child to look and follow it’s movements. For example, rolling a noisy or flashing ball.
• Play with musical instruments or shakers. Shake the instrument to the side of the child. If they turn to the sound, give them the instrument as a reward.

 

TOP TIPS:

• If a child does not respond to their name, try touching their arm as you say it.
• Children struggle to focus when there is lots of background noise. It’s always a good idea to have play times without the TV or radio on during the day.
• Give the child one or two toys at a time- too many can be distracting!
• Children love repetition! Repeat, repeat, repeat games they enjoy.