*Active+Listening

Small School Gathering 10/5/10 Active Listening

“Listen with your head and heart, then talk.” Ask students what this quote means. Discuss the difference between hearing and listening.

Have students close their eyes and listen for a minute to all the sounds that can be heard in the room. Share ideas, and explain that when we think about what we hear, we are better listeners.

Show the Chinese TANG symbol for listening, and point out the parts that make up the symbol: ear, eyes, undivided attention, heart, you. Discuss why this is a good example for us to remember how to be an active listener.

Explain active listening as: · Providing encouragement to the speaker · Using attentive body posture—full eye contact, leaning forward slightly · Demonstrating positive body signals—quiet hands, feet, and mouth · Verbalizations that demonstrate understanding—“Mmmm, Uhuh, Yes, I see, I understand, Tell me more.”

Read the story __Officer Buckle and Gloria__ by Peggy Rathman. Discuss whether the students were demonstrating active listening and how Gloria helped them develop better active listening. Or,T__he Cat Who Wore a Pot on Her Head__ by Jan Slepian.

Brainstorm ways that we can demonstrate active listening at school · Wait patiently when friends tell a story; don’t interrupt · Actively listen when teacher is giving instruction · Listen to the story being read · Hear and follow directions · Use active listening during Morning Meeting · Ask thoughtful questions after a guest speaker presentation · Demonstrate proper behaviors during assembly—sit still on your bottom, remain silent, listen, show appreciation by applauding appropriately (no “whooping”)

Play a game of Simon Says to wrap up active listening.

Do a blindfold trust walk as a way to practice active listening. Divide students into two teams and have each stand in a straight line. Place a blindfold around the first student's eyes. Place several objects on a path in front of each child with the blindfold and give them a bag for collecting the items. The second student in the line will give the first student directions for picking up the objects along the path. Each child will take a turn wearing the blindfold and giving the directions.

Role Play. Have 2 student sit back to back. Student 1 describes how to draw a shape to student 2. Have student 2 behaving in a way that does not promote active listening and draw the picture. Then, have student 2 face student 1 and draw the picture using all the positive active listening skills. Compare the two pictures. Have students discuss differences between two situations and identify all the active listening skills.