any suggesions to get son to pay better attention?

Rebekah - posted on 09/14/2009

Sounds to me like your 17 month old likes to learn through play and would rather learn through play. So sitting through a story will be hard for your son if all it is reading. At home, for a story time try using a toy that's in the story to tell the story - for example if the story is about a firetruck, pull out a firetruck and have him play with it while you tell the story. After the story is done, put the firetruck away. A little structure with play time. Every child is different. In church the one thing many directors fail to do with volunteers and teachers is to make sure they include ALL learning styles of kids inside the classroom. Not every kid will learn through just a story being read, while others will. Some kids can't stand to learn in a group setting, but will everything with one on one interaction. Don't be hard on yourself. Your son will keep letting you know how he learns.

Here's a list of the learning styles of children, read through it and see where your son fits in. This will also help you when it comes to teaching ABC, counting, body parts, etc. He wants to learn in the way God created him to learn.

Kinesthetic (Motion) Learners
Stimulated to learn through motion and physical activity. They think more clearly and quickly when moving. Their minds may stagnate when forced to sit still for long periods of time. Tips for energizing: (1) actively involve the learners through pantomime, role-plays, simulations, games, and sports; (2) vary your learning settings: go out doors, into hallways, to a gym, etc.; (3) avoid long periods of sitting; allow to sit, stand, stretch, walk around, etc.; (4) if must sit, allow to quietly tap their feet or fingers without disturbing others

Auditory Learners
Use their voices and ears to learn. They like to listen, discuss, repeat aloud, and sometimes sing. They have difficulty working on their own in silence for long periods of time. Tips for energizing: (1) include small group or whole class discussion time, (2) utilize music, playing it in the background, etc.; (3) use chants, call and response, oral presentations, and opportunities to repeat new information in their own words; (4) tell jokes, stories, and riddles; have them tell some of their own

Independent Learners
Prefer and excel in situations where they can work alone. They tend to be aware of their own strengths, weaknesses, interests, and abilities, but often have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. They may resist group work. Tips for energizing: (1) give opportunities to set goals, work alone, and monitor their own progress *charts work great*; (2) include time for reflection and independent work progress, (3) offer choices in materials, types of projects, pace, and scope of work, (4) have them keep portfolios and evaluate their own work; (5) allow preparation time before presentations

Visual Learners
Depend on what they see to effectively learn. They tend to process information quickly through the gate of the eye. They may be slow to process what they hear until they write it in a visual format. Tips for energizing: (1) use visuals such as pictures, charts, storyboards, posters, word banks, diagrams, etc.; (2) use images and color (motion or static images); (3) have them look for or create patterns, design, things, or perform tasks that require spatial perception; (4) make their room orderly and appealing

Hands-On Learners
Remember best when they are actively involved and are able to touch things with their hands. Working with their hands is very important to hands-on learners. Listening and watching without active involvement can produce boredom and fidgeting. Tips for energizing: (1) allow students to regularly work in 3 dimensions whenever possible (ex: clay, handling objects, crafts, textures, etc.); (2) encourage the use of building with tools, boxes, blocks, etc.; (3) encourage drawing, painting, and forms of expression that involve the hands; (4) if old enough, let them take notes as they learn (or color for younger ones)

Group Learners
Enjoy group interaction, discussions, and cooperation. They gain energy through contact with others. They may have difficulty sitting still or staying focused when working alone. Tips for energizing: (1) offer opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and group problem solving; (2) consider using joint projects or peer teaching; (3) make time for cooperative games; (4) structure times to empathize and identify with others' moods and feelings; (5) put these students in leadership roles when organizing games or for heading up projects

Heather - posted on 09/14/2009

I wouldn't be worried. A lot of children are extremely knowledgeable at 17 months, and a lot of kids aren't. I have twin girls that are going to be two in December, and they don't listen to me read very often. So I read to my older boys while they play, I read to them while they take baths, and I keep books in the car so if we go to the store and my husband runs in to get something I can read to them. They don't know any of their body parts yet, but since they can't talk yet, I'm not worried. They do know stuff, but not that stuff. Each child learns at a different rate. One of my girls can eat with silverware and the other can't. But they both know to pray before they eat. Let your child learn his way, and just be encouraging. Keep trying, but don't get worried or stressed if he doesn't care right now.

Deidre - posted on 09/13/2009

Sara,

Be encouraged and don't be so hard on yourself. :) Every child's learning ability is different, just celebrate what he does know and continue to work with him on the other things. He sounds adventurous and independent, and that quality will make him strong as gets older. He's still young yet, and I know and believe that you'll see a "Big" difference as he matures.