Who is Active Listening?
Jan Ward-Allen owner of Active Listening is an experienced primary school teacher. After completing a Master of Education degree she became fascinated with Neuroscience and the role it played in how children actually learn. Jan has always questioned why some children find learning more difficult than their peers? She began to research alternative programmes and found the Extra Lesson programme which is based on natural development. Jan completed her Extra Lesson training in Australia and thoroughly enjoyed working with students who thrived with these programmes. Shortly after she was introduced to Tomatis ® listening programmes and has continued to train and work in this field becoming intensely aware of the ear’s impact has on memory, motor skills, and visual perception for both adults and children. The interventions used are aimed to integrate these systems to help the person to function at their optimal level.
Jan’s passion is to help families understand why their child learns differently and help individuals find happiness in learning and life.
What does Active Listening do?
Jan starts with a FREE consultation to discuss your child’s needs and the ways she can help. This is followed by an in depth developmental history to find out where the “gaps” are occurring and which programmes will help.
Most clients start with a listening test which explains how their ears are working. For very young children or those unable to tolerate headphones their ear function will be assessed through questionnaires and discussion with parents.
Listening programmes can be done in Jan’s home office (Hastings) with her or taken home to be completed with adult supervision. The length of the programme depends on the child’s age and needs but average a total 14-16 hours over 3 weeks. It is strongly recommended clients complete at least 3 intensives of listening over 6 months but some may need more. There is also a month long break between intensives to allow for integration.
Movement, sensory-integration and tutoring programmes are also available.
How can Active Listening help your child/student?
Parent’s will learn why their child may be struggling and how the ears are involved. Results vary but some clients notice better sleep, less anxiety and bed-wetting greatly reduced after the first intensive. Other changes over time include better communication, fewer meltdowns, less anxiety, improved academic skills, improved motor skills, increased ability to follow verbal instructions, reduced travel sickness and overall a happier child.
Physical environment
Jan has a home office which provides a quiet environment filled with lots of choices to do while listening including board games, sensory toys and craft activities. Mack (the cat) often makes an appearance to welcome the client’s he knows.
Street parking is available.
Anything else you would like mentioned to parents and schools
Small group programmes (at least 3 children at same school) OR individual programmes may be available in consultation with the school or early childhood centre.
Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm, booked appointments only.
I can be mobile for listening tests and some programmes with costs applied. FREE consultations are in my home office or online.
Jan would love to chat so please book a time to suit you…
Ph: 0272329313 Email: [email protected]
Services
· Tomatis ® neurosensory stimulation for attention, communication, anxiety and learning difficulties.
· Assessments.
· Specialised tutoring for reading, spelling, writing, comprehension
· Movement and reflex integration programmes.
· Extra Lesson programmes from the work of Audrey McAllen
· Maths tutoring using Numicon
This is a mobile service.
Services
· Tomatis ® neurosensory stimulation for attention, communication, anxiety and learning difficulties.
· Assessments.
· Specialised tutoring for reading, spelling, writing, comprehension
· Movement and reflex integration programmes.
· Extra Lesson programmes from the work of Audrey McAllen
· Maths tutoring using Numicon
It was worth it
Several years ago I went to see Jan once a week. I was very shy and had no confidence. Jan helped me and I had fun at every session. Now I have just been named head girl at a large private school so my family are really proud of me. I worked hard but it was well worth it to be where I am now.
17 Year Old Female
As parents we were sick of seeing our daughter struggle at school. We felt she was just being left at the bottom of the class. She was 7 years old and struggled to read at a 5year old level, had no confidence and was unhappy a lot of the time. After 3 listening intensives, spread over 8 months, her reading had improved by 3 years so she had caught up to her age level and she is a much happier child. We are thrilled.
Mel’s Parents
During the covid lockdowns we realized how much our 8year old son was struggling with his schoolwork. It was also a battle to get him to go to school. After a conversation with Jan, my husband and I decided to give it a try. The first thing Jan noticed was that he needed glasses. After his first programme he stopped wetting the bed at night and was less argumentative. Eight months later his reading had improved by 3years and he was reading at his age level. He is now more confident in himself, happy to go to school and we’ve even heard him singing to himself.
Two very happy parents
