In a classroom, kindergarteners who do not listen can be difficult to deal with. When you do not know anything about the child, it becomes even harder to try and get his attention. Working with the parents or guardians of the child helps you understand any problems that he has coming into the classroom. For example, knowing that a child has ADD can help you construct a lesson plan that is tailored to the child’s needs. When you talk with the parents or guardians, ask as many questions as you can to get a better understanding of how you should approach helping the child learn. Discuss the situation with a school psychologist along with the parents to come up with a plan that will help the child.
Instead of attempting to get the child to listen to what you say, show her what you mean. Many children retain more information when physically shown how to do something. For example, instead of telling the child how to do an activity, get on her level and show her how to do it. Another option is to show the child how to do something and then ask her if she can show you how to do it. While a child may not listen, taking a physical approach to teaching can benefit the child more than simply listening to words. This approach can also be implemented at home by utilizing easy to understand charts, such as a chart for pre-bedtime routines. Parents can use pictures of toothbrushes to indicate brushing teeth, as well as a picture of a bathtub to indicate bath time.
Children that do not listen are often not acknowledged when they do listen. Pay attention to the child and when he does listen to what you say, whether it is at home or in the classroom, let him know that you noticed. You do not have to hand out physical rewards every time the child listens. A simple acknowledgement gives the child confidence that he is doing something right. If you are a teacher and the child listens to you during the school day, tell him that you are sending a note home to his parents telling them what a great job he did listening at school. Parents and guardians can also acknowledge listening skills by telling the child what a wonderful job he is doing.
Treating the child with disrespect does not make her want to listen. Whether you are a teacher or parent, you have to speak to the child with respect. You must also show a mutual interest in what the child has to say. When you show the child that you are not interested in what she is saying, she learns from you and does the same thing. Talk to the child in a positive tone, use positive reinforcement and do not constantly bring up faults that the child has. Work on your body language, as well. When the child is not listening, communicate with the child by getting down to her level. When you get down to her level, you show that you are not trying to intimidate her.