Turns toward a familiar sound then locates range of sounds with accuracy.
Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.
Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.
Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.
Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.
Listens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.
Fleeting Attention – not under child’s control, new stimuli takes whole attention.
Moves whole bodies to sounds they enjoy, such as music or a regular beat.
Has a strong exploratory impulse.
Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.
Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.
Listens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.
Enjoys rhymes and demonstrates listening by trying to join in with actions or vocalisations.
Rigid attention – may appear not to hear.
Listens with interest to the noises adults make when they read stories.
Recognises and responds to many familiar sounds, e.g. turning to a knock on the door, looking at or going to the door.
Shows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes.
Single channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.
Listens to others one-to-one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.
Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.
Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.
Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.
Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).