Children need opportunities to be heard, not just opportunities to answer questions. Giving children time to explain their ideas, tell stories, or express their feelings helps them practice communication and shows them that what they have to say is important.
Listening also means paying attention to how children communicate when they don't have the words to explain what they need.
Ways to practice intentional listening:
- Give children time to finish their thoughts.
- Avoid finishing sentences or answering for them.
- Pay attention to gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
- Reflect back what you heard to make sure you understand.
- Use children's interests and ideas to continue the conversation.