Is reading the secret to raising better listeners? Learn how reading goes hand in hand with listening to build concentration, comprehension, critical thinking and more

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Let’s face it, as parents one of the things we’ll struggle with the most is getting our kids to listen to us. But aside from preventing us from pulling out all our hair, raising children with good listening skills and abilities is an integral part of their development.

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Fortunately reading is an activity that actively helps improve a child’s listening skills.

What’s the Relationship between Reading & Listening Skills?

Reading and listening go hand in hand. They both involve decoding the information presented and understanding the context. Children with strong reading skills often possess enhanced listening abilities due to their familiarity with language patterns and vocabulary.

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Why a child needs to have good listening skills.

Good listening skills are crucial for academic success and social development. Having the ability to listen well means children can follow instructions, engage in conversations with others, and comprehend lessons (both in a formal schooling setting and general life) effectively.

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7 Ways Reading Improves Listening Skills.

Reading exposes children to various language structures, tones, and contexts, improving their listening abilities. Let’s unpack 10 ways reading improves listening skills…

1. It Enhances a Child’s Vocabulary 

The more a child reads, the more they will be exposed to a broader (and more advanced) vocabulary. This in turn makes it easier for them to understand more spoken language.

2. Reading Improves Concentration

Reading requires sustained attention, which translates into better concentration during listening activities.

Also, see 5 Ways Reading Increases Concentration.

3. Improves Language Pattern Recognition

When frequently encountering written language, children can recognise and understand spoken language patterns more easily.

4. Reading Increases Comprehension

As children read, they develop the ability to get meaning from written text. This helps their ability to comprehend what’s being said to them in a conversation.

5. Reading Expands a Child’s Knowledge Base

Reading presents children with a variety of topics and ideas. This broadening of knowledge equips them to understand verbal communication, meaning they’re better able to listen.

6. It Fosters Critical Thinking Skills

When reading, children build the ability to critically about characters, storylines, and themes. Over time this helps a child develop analytical skills that support active listening.

7. Reading Improves Memory

Reading, and especially reading comprehension requires remembering details and making connections between different parts of the story. This in turn flexes those memory and retention muscles, improving a child’s listening abilities.

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So the next time you find yourself wondering if your child is listening to you, why don't you grab a snack and their favourite book, snuggle up together and read something? As an added bonus reading books together fosters connection with our children.

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You’ll also enjoy: 8 Amazing Benefits of Reading to Your Child Every Night 

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PLUS: Check out our collection of books about being yourself for kids, and learn how reading apps help your little ones to read more.