Dear Imagine That! Parent:
We are surrounded by many sounds each. Many of them we don’t even really notice.
Most people are born with the ability to hear, but listening is a learned skill. In active listening, we make a decision to pay attention and not speak or make sounds. Practicing active listening provides lifelong benefits. It’s necessary for following directions at home and at school.
At this age, active listening is so exciting because your preschooler is developing the ability to notice subtle differences of sound, such as listening to many different styles of drums, and naming that style of drum—something he/she wasn’t ready to do as a toddler.
Learning to really listen and notice these differences in sounds will benefit your child musically as well. They will use this skill whether they take piano, dance, or play in band in school one day.
So this week, take time together to “put on your listening ears” and discover all the wonderful sounds around you.
Happy Listening!