An LSL Strategy to Get Started

As a new listener, your child doesn't know what sound is yet or what's important to listen to. That’s where you come in to teach them! You can use the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) strategy “Be a Director.” That means you purposely direct your child to listen to the people and sounds around them. This helps your child learn which ones are essential!

What Does it Look Like?

If your child is a new listener (meaning they’re a young baby or toddler and only recently started using their devices), begin with the simple word “Listen.” When you use the word “Listen,” you’re training your little one to pay attention, get ready, and know there is something important happening!

Next, pause after the word “Listen” and name what your baby is hearing. Like this: “Listen . . . I hear the music playing” or “Listen . . . I hear Daddy talking.”

For an older child or more experienced listener, use the same strategy and you'll discover many places outside of home to “Be a Director.” Think of all the routine things that happen such as driving in the car, “Listen . . . I hear a fire truck.” Or at the grandparents’ house “Listen . . . I hear Nana’s dog barking.”

Big Bonus of the “Be a Director” Strategy!

“Be a Director” also gets your child’s listening attention before you start talking to them. If you're telling them something, wait until they respond to your call to "Listen!" before you begin talking. For example: “Listen (child’s name) ...[pause and wait for them to pay attention before continuing]... we are going Bye-Bye” or “Listen (child’s name) ...[pause and wait]... let’s pick up the toys.”

Listening Attention for a Lifetime!

You’re building a life skill for your young listener when you use “Be a Director.” When you think about it, you’ll stop using this strategy as your child grows up to be an accomplished listener. Your child’s listening attention is a skill they’ll need throughout their learning years — and it will be something they carry for a lifetime of listening!

LSL Strategies and Techniques

There are 12 key LSL strategies you can use as you interact with your child to help them develop their listening, talking, thinking, and reading skills.

Learn More

An LSL Strategy to Get Started

LSL in Your Inbox

What Does it Look Like?

Big Bonus of the “Be a Director” Strategy!

Listening Attention for a Lifetime!

LSL Strategies and Techniques

Related Resources

Screens and Little Brains: What to Do

Starts Hear Campaign Releases Year Two Results

What “Eyes Open, Ears On” Really Looks Like

Dr. Jace Wolfe named Senior Vice President at Oberkotter Foundation – Hearing First

Choosing Which Cochlear Implant is Right for Your Child

Why the Ling Six Sound Test Matters (and What It Can Tell You)

The Best Present? Your Presence!

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

An LSL Strategy to Get Started

LSL in Your Inbox

What Does it Look Like?

Big Bonus of the “Be a Director” Strategy!

Listening Attention for a Lifetime!

LSL Strategies and Techniques

Related Resources

Screens and Little Brains: What to Do

Starts Hear Campaign Releases Year Two Results

What “Eyes Open, Ears On” Really Looks Like

Dr. Jace Wolfe named Senior Vice President at Oberkotter Foundation – Hearing First

Choosing Which Cochlear Implant is Right for Your Child

Why the Ling Six Sound Test Matters (and What It Can Tell You)

The Best Present? Your Presence!

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

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