Apr 01, 2026
Listening skills help children follow instructions, learn new ideas and feel confident in group activities.
Helping Children Follow Instructions and Build Focus
Listening and understanding are essential skills for young children. These abilities help children take part in activities, follow instructions and interact with others.
Within The Brighter Learning Approach, listening skills are developed through storytelling, songs, group discussions and collaborative play. On our Next Stop School tracker, the Listening and Understanding sign highlights how children begin to focus, listen carefully and respond to instructions.
Practitioners support these skills throughout the nursery day through activities that encourage children to pay attention and respond.
Play listening games Games like “Simon Says” encourage children to listen carefully and follow instructions.
Use action songs Songs with movements help children listen and respond.
Give simple instructions Small tasks like putting toys away or bringing their shoes help children practise listening.
Ask questions during story time Talking about stories encourages children to listen and think about what they hear.
As children practise listening, they become more confident in understanding instructions and participating in activities.
Being able to listen and follow instructions helps children feel confident in the classroom. These skills allow them to participate in group activities, understand learning tasks and build positive relationships with teachers and peers.
Support your child’s early learning journey with a nurturing nursery environment. Find your nearest nursery and discover how our nurturing environments support every stage of development.