Listen Up! Try These 5 Super-Fun Ways To Enhance Listening Skills In Children

It's no surprise that kids get distracted easily—after all, they’re full of energy and curiosity!

Add to that the constant presence of screens—TVs, tablets, smartphones—it’s no wonder that getting them to focus or develop important skills like listening and social engagement can feel like an uphill battle.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to help them out. Sometimes, it’s about meeting them where they are and making the experience enjoyable. There are plenty of ways to make listening fun and engaging for kids without a screen in sight.

So, if you’re scratching your head for ideas, this list is here to spark some creativity -

1. Set Up Listening Stations

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Designate a quiet corner or space in your house where kids can listen to stories, music, or sounds without distractions.

Choose the right space: Start by selecting a quiet, comfortable corner of your home. This could be in a cozy nook, near a window with natural light, or even in a part of their bedroom. The key is to find a space that minimises distractions, both visual and auditory, so your child can fully engage in the listening activity.

Make it inviting: Add elements that make the space appealing to your child. Think of a soft bean bag, a cozy chair, or a cushion they can sit on. You can also include their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to create a sense of comfort and security. The goal is to make the area feel special, a place where they look forward to spending time.

Equip it with resources: Stock up the listening station with essential items like headphones, speakers, and their favorite audio content. This could range from audiobooks and music playlists to calming soundscapes like nature sounds or educational podcasts. For example, the Vobble Box, with its included child-friendly headphones, helps kids stay fully immersed in their listening experience. Plus, the Vobble app provides everything a listening corner needs, offering a diverse collection of fun shows, educational podcasts, audiobooks, and songs.

Set clear rules: Establish clear guidelines around the use of the listening station. It could perhaps be a no-screen zone, or a place where they spend 15-20 minutes each day immersing themselves in sound. Creating a routine around it helps to build anticipation and make it a part of their daily lives.

2. Story Trivia

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Storytelling never grows old. And what makes it even better? Storytime trivia!

After story-time, try asking your child a series of questions that will push them to think critically about the whatever they've listened to - it's guaranteed to improve their comprehension and analytical skills.

It's common to feel more confident asking questions when you’re the one telling the story or only when you're discussing a familiar book. Turns out that doesn't have to be the case.

Take Vobble’s audio stories, for instance. The app’s "Engage" section provides you with ready-made prompts based on your child’s listening activity. These prompts help you initiate meaningful discussions and ask thoughtful questions, making it easier for you to actively participate in your child’s learning, even when you’re not the one narrating the story

3. Play Fun Games!

(i) Simon Says:

The classic game "Simon Says" is perfect for encouraging kids to pay attention and follow instructions.

The rules are simple: when you say "Simon says," followed by an action (e.g., "Simon says touch your toes"), the child must perform the action. If the instruction doesn’t start with "Simon says," they should stay still.

To make it more challenging, you can add multi-step commands like "Simon says hop on one foot and then touch your nose." This not only hones their listening skills but also improves their ability to process complex directions.

(ii) Find The Odd One Out: 

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In this verbal category game, you give the kids a list of words related to a specific theme, sneaking in one extra word that doesn’t belong there. All they have to do is identify which one it is.

For example, you might say, "apple, banana, car, orange, grape" The child must listen carefully to identify the odd word. This game sharpens their listening skills and their ability to categorize information.

(iii) Draw What You Hear:

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It's as simple as it sounds. You do the talking, they'll do the drawing.

It's amazing what kids can do with a blank sheet. Give them a plain white paper and they'll make a whole artwork out of it within minutes. Most kids never seem to tire of doodling, colouring and playing around with their art supplies.

Just give them instructions on what to draw and see what they create purely based on what they hear from you.

Their finished drawing will give you a better sense of how well they listened to you and interpreted your instructions.

(iv) Read My Mind

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Think of a word, like "Dinosaur" for instance, and challenge your kid to guess it based on your description of the word.

You could go, "They're not around anymore." Or just say, "They can be gigantic, bigger than that tree out there."

It's not only a fantastic game to bond with your child, but also keeps their minds sharp and improves their listening and critical thinking skills.

4. Incorporate Music and Songs

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Music can be a fantastic tool for improving listening skills.

It captures their attention, stimulates their creativity, and provides an enjoyable way to practice listening. One of the best ways to use music for this purpose is by encouraging kids to listen to songs with lyrics. As they listen, ask them to repeat the lyrics or sing along. This not only helps with memory and recall but also teaches them to focus on the nuances of language, rhythm, and melody.

Play a song and challenge your child to identify the different instruments or sounds they hear. For example, they might try to pick out the sound of a guitar, piano, or drum. This exercise encourages active listening, as they must pay close attention to the various layers of sound.

Additionally, you can introduce songs that tell a story or have a sequence of events. After listening, discuss the story with your child and ask them questions about the characters or plot. This helps build comprehension and reinforces their ability to follow along with auditory content.

5. Practice Mindful Listening

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Mindful listening is a powerful exercise that helps children become more aware of their surroundings and develop their concentration skills. To begin, find a quiet space where your child can sit comfortably without distractions. Encourage them to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths to settle into a relaxed state.

Once they’re calm, ask them to focus on the sounds around them for a few minutes. These could be subtle noises they usually overlook, like birds chirping outside, the hum of a refrigerator, leaves rustling, or even their own breathing. The key is for them to tune into these sounds with full attention, without letting their minds wander.

After the listening session, engage your child in a conversation about what they heard. Ask them to describe each sound in detail and reflect on how it made them feel. Did they notice anything they hadn’t before? How did focusing on the sounds change their perception of the environment?

This exercise not only enhances their listening and concentration skills but also promotes mindfulness—a valuable tool for managing stress and staying present in the moment. Over time, regular practice can help children become more attuned to their auditory environment, making them more observant and focused in other areas of their life as well. 

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At the end of the day, there's no one who understands your child better than you do. You would know everything from their quirky habits and routines to their unique brand of gibberish and non-verbal cues.

Simply put, the key to boosting your child's listening skills lies in creativity and personalisation. By incorporating activities that genuinely speak to your child's preferences, you'll keep them engaged and eager to participate. Whether it's playing a game, listening to a story, or trying out a new mindfulness exercise, the trick is to make each experience lively, intriguing, and, most importantly, fun.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your child—after all, their journey of growth is as unique as they are.