ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how successful effective listening is portrayed in the setting and explains strategies a practitioner may have in place. It explains the role of the practitioner, how to engage and include parents and how to display the ways a setting is listening to their youngest children. Active listening is a key skill in the early years environment. The chapter defines active listening, considers the meaning of sustained shared thinking and reflects on the characteristics of effective learning that enable successful active listening. Opportunities for active listening can be achieved throughout the day, but it does mean that a setting needs to reflect on their skills of communication and learning to successfully achieve active listening. Active listening is effective when practitioners build quality interactions with children in their care and with parents and carers, engaging them in their child’s learning.
