Improving a Y1 boy's listening skills - ideas?

[thatscottishbiscuit]

Just had DS's report. There are a handful of good/great areas (reading, science, art, design) but an issue with listening I don't know if/how I can help him with, and it's impacting all areas of his learning, especially writing and maths (and his reading until recently - his reading took off because of a lot of extra effort put in at home). He's falling behind and missing out on some of the basics.

'...frequently struggles to listen attentively in whole class or small group contexts...prevents him from being able to follow instructions or have a go at a task independently'.

Anyone have any ideas? At home he is a busy boy full of plans, ideas and designs. At school he sits and dreams. When something is his idea, his concentration on it is brilliant. His teacher has found him quite a frustration this year. Thank goodness he is also 'happy, sociable and well mannered'!

Any thoughts? A hobby that might promote listening? Something we can do differently at home? He is described as 'bright and observant' but 'regularly requires adult support and encouragement to achieve the learning outcome or even start it on his own'

[elephantoverthehill]

JAM has been great in the car Silas, I totally agree. I did have a few OMG moments when listening to the Afternoon Play travelling. I turned to R2 quickly. But I really do think quality radio hones the listening skills.

[thatscottishbiscuit]

I do love radio 4. DCs only get bits of news on it in the car at the moment. I will find them some bits to listen to on listen again. I think DS would like the science programme.

Yes, it staggers me how awful the afternoon plays are, especially in comparison with the remainder of the broadcasting.

Thanks for the music tip, Ferguson. I won't push it. Interestingly the one of my siblings who refused piano lessons point blank is the one whose very successful career is in...music

[elephantoverthehill]

What about the infinite monkey prog?

[Ponyboycurtis]

Op - lurking for ideas, my DD is having the exact same problems, will be trying out some of these suggestions.

[thatscottishbiscuit]

Great idea, Elephant.

Pony hope these ideas help your DD too in the listening/ concentration battle

[AngryPrincess]

I've been meaning to do these with my DS. Have not got round to it.

speechbloguk.com/games-to-improve-auditory-memory/

Hope they'll help.

[thatscottishbiscuit]

They look great, Angry, thanks!

First board game night was a great success. We played snakes and ladders and bingo, and started teaching DS chess because he insisted once he saw how interesting the pieces looked