What strategy can a preschool teacher use to improve students' listening skills during morning circle time?

Incorporating activities requiring active listening is an effective strategy for improving students' listening skills during morning circle time because it actively engages children in the listening process. By implementing games, songs, or activities that require them to respond to what they hear—such as echoing sounds, following directions, or participating in storytelling—teachers create an interactive environment that enhances auditory processing and comprehension. This approach not only makes listening practice enjoyable but also helps children practice focusing their attention and understanding spoken language in a supportive setting.

Other options, while they may have their own merits, do not directly enhance active listening skills in the same way. Reducing the duration of circle time might help maintain some children's attention, but it does not specifically target the development of listening abilities. Limiting discussions to one student at a time can create a controlled environment, but it may not foster engagement or collaborative listening among peers. Reading books with illustrations can certainly enrich the experience, but it does not inherently improve listening skills unless accompanied by engaging activities that prompt active participation from the children.