Here's What To Do
1
Talk about rules you both follow at work, at school, and in your home.
2
Teach your child these 4 listening rules and invite them to copy your motions:
- Eyes watching (point to the outside of your eyes)
- Ears listening (cup your ear with your hand)
- Voice quiet (put your finger to your lips)
- Body calm (hug your body with your arms)
3
Have your child "teach" the 4 steps to a doll or stuffed animal. Say each step aloud, and have your child repeat the movement with the doll.
4
Practice daily for a few days in a row, and your child will begin to remember them without your help.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Stretch your bodies all the way to the sky, then get low to the ground.
E
Engage:
- "Did you know I need to follow rules at work? One rule is I have to be on time every day. What's one rule you need to follow at school?"
- "Let's teach the 4 listening rules to Teddy. First is 'eyes watching.' Can you help Teddy put his paws outside his eyes?"
E
Encourage:
- After a few days of practicing, see how many of the rules your child can remember on their own.
- To help reinforce the skill, go through the listening rules the next time you need to give your child directions.
R
Reflect:
- "Why do you think we have listening rules?"
Not quite ready?
Work on one rule at a time, adding more as your child masters each one.
Ready for more?
Go for a "listening walk" in a store, your neighborhood, or in a park. Say "Listen" and guide your child through the rules. Then, listen to the noises all around you.
As your child masters this skill...
They will know the 4 steps to follow when it's time to listen in school.