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Listening and Understanding
Preschoolers are developing the ability to understand and use more complex language
At A Glance
When it comes to children’s language development, listening is just as important as speaking. To understand stories, jokes, explanations, and questions, preschoolers must learn to use their knowledge, vocabulary, and listening skills together. We can support children’s development of listening skills by using visuals, asking questions, and drawing their attention to important information.
What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can support preschoolers' listening and understanding skills
Prompt Children to Retell Information
Support children’s growing understanding of how stories work and are structured. Note how this educator asks questions, orients children to specific events, and pauses so that they can fill in the blank.
Connect Story Events
During a story, focus on questions that encourage children to make connections between what’s happened in the story. Notice how this educator pauses to ask about a previous story event to help children make sense of what’s happening on the current page.
Encourage Listening
Join in and use gestures to encourage listening. Note how this educator monitors children’s attention and focus, and uses hand motions to direct them.
CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Supporting Conversations
The Talking Stick strategy outlines ways that you can support children’s early conversation and communication skills.
This strategy is designed to help children grow in their ability to express themselves and listen attentively to others.
SUPPORTING LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Oddbird
Written and illustrated by Derek Desierto, this book is about a bird who learns to embrace its unique qualities. The storyline in this book is good for supporting children to recall key events.
SUPPORTING LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me
Written by Sally J. Pla and illustrated by Ken Min, this story is about two brothers, Samuel and Benji, who find a way to cheer Samuel up after a hard day. The structure of the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end for children to notice.
SUPPORTING LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
You Are (Not) Small
Written by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, this simple story about two creatures comparing their sizes is great for encouraging children to connect key events within a book.
Activity Cards for Preschool Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support children's listening and understanding skills
I'm Thinking Of...
Give clues to describe the category and features to help children guess a mystery word.
Simon Says: Body Parts
Challenge children to listen carefully while focusing on a game about body parts.
Story Share
Encourage children to listen to and tell stories with details about the characters, setting, big events, and more!
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills
