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Listening Games for Toddlers

If you have a toddler, you understand her listening abilities change between surprisingly sensitive to seemingly selective. Toddlers are developing a deeper understanding of instructions and phrases beyond basic commands like, "No!" and "Bye-Bye." Like sharing and toilet training, practicing attentive listening in short spurts during the day builds your child's language processing skills and confidence that she understands what you're saying.

Telephone Talk
- Very young toddlers are still learning to correctly understand your words and include them in their own reply. Playing telephone with your young toddler provides a focused venue where you have his full attention. Call him on the pretend phone and say, "Hi [his name]! This is Grandma, how are you doing?" Carry on the conversation for a few minutes. Your spouse or partner will arrive shortly thereafter and ask your toddler who spoke he to and what they discussed.
Red Light, Green Light
- You can play Red Light, Green Light with just your toddler or include other children of various ages. The children line up on the far side of the room or yard and run toward you on the command,"Green Light!" A few seconds later, say, "Red Light!" Which means the children must freeze in place. This game lets toddlers practice listening and following directions in a stimulating environment that requires them to focus on the adult. Try a few practice rounds before playing the game so your toddler doesn't get discouraged.
Sequential Directions
- Part of listening is accurately processing the information spoken. Build your toddler's understanding of directions by playing 1-2-3. In 1-2-3 the adult gives the toddlers three directions in a row, each progressively more difficult. For example, "Clap your hands," wait for the toddlers to clap their hands, then say, "Now put your hands on your head and jump up and down," wait for the kids to complete this direction as well. Finally, instruct the group to, "Bend over, touch your toes and stick out your tongue." Tailor the directions based on the kids' understanding and ability.
Soft and Loud Stories
- Toddlers are still learning to control their own vocal volume and differentiate between the volume of others. Read a story to your child and ask her a question after each page, such as, "what was he looking for under the bed?" Change the volume of your voice throughout the story so your toddler learns to interpret both soft and loud sounds. Your volume must change markedly without being audible or screaming. Have your toddler answer the questions using a volume similar to yours.

Kids Games