Value Bookshop's Reading Notes

One of my favourite lines I use that my own children have picked up is “Am I talking to do wall?” I’m sure you know the frustration of having your children NOT listen to what you’re saying.

Teaching our children good listening skills is important because for them to excel in learning, they must first listen. Today’s culture with the distraction of television, computers and video games only makes things worse as it shortens their attention span. So what can we do to help our children listen better?

1. Give specific instructions on how to listen.
- Look at the person talking.
- Stop squirming. Keep still.
- Focus on what is being said.
- Try to understand and remember the message. Ask if you don’t understand.
- Can you repeat what was said?

2. Be a good model yourself.
- Some kids like to talk a lot. Take my son for instance. He talks all the time. So much so I sometimes tune him out. That, is of course not being a good example. If possible, try to stop what you are doing and look at your child at their level when they talk to you. Give them your attention.

3. Play listening games like Simon Says or Do What I Say and Not What I Do. How about memory games? I remember playing a game that goes like this “There is a ship going to Madagascar (or any other country) and it is carrying 2 chickens.” The next person repeats that and adds another item e.g. “There is a ship going to Madagascar and it is carrying 2 chickens and 9 umbrellas.” The game goes on and on with items being added.

4. Read to your children.
- Don’t let television, computers and video games be your children’s main form of entertainment. As you read to your children, you can check for understanding by asking relevant questions pertaining to the story. Sometimes, children will add their comments as you read. When they do that, you know they are listening.

Recommended Book:
Listen Buddy

Our review:
Do you seem to always be frustratingly saying to your children “Are you listening to me?” Then this book is perfect for you. Buddy has beautiful ears but don’t seem to use them very well. When asked to bring a pen, he brings a hen. When asked to buy fifteen tomatoes, he buys fifty potatoes. One day his lack of listening skills get him into trouble and he is almost made into bunnyrabbit soup. From then on, he decides to really listen to what his parents say. Children will love Buddy’s hilarious antics and parents will love the message that goes with the story: Ears are for hearing but listening is a decision. And when children decide to listen to their parents, they usually stay out of trouble.

Available at Value Bookshop.
Price: RM17.20