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

How to Help My Baby Say Their First Words

Setting Goals for Your Child’s Listening and Talking Journey

Parent Vision Board and Goal-Setting Worksheet

Travel Tips for Children with Hearing Loss – Must-Haves for Smooth Trips

Cooking Up Listening and Learning: LSL Strategies for Families in the Kitchen

How to Point Out Sound with Be a Director and Be a Bird Dog LSL Strategies

Unlocking the Sounds of Speech with the Familiar Sounds Audiogram and eBook

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

An LSL Strategy to Get Started

Find Your Way Guide

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

How to Help My Baby Say Their First Words

Setting Goals for Your Child’s Listening and Talking Journey

Parent Vision Board and Goal-Setting Worksheet

Travel Tips for Children with Hearing Loss – Must-Haves for Smooth Trips

Cooking Up Listening and Learning: LSL Strategies for Families in the Kitchen

How to Point Out Sound with Be a Director and Be a Bird Dog LSL Strategies

Unlocking the Sounds of Speech with the Familiar Sounds Audiogram and eBook

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

Sign In or Register