Active Listening
Learn
Great listeners are like superheroes! They use their ears, eyes, and brains all at once. Let's learn how to be an amazing listener!
What is Active Listening?
Active listening means paying close attention when someone talks. You think about what they say and show them you care!
Your Listening Superpowers!
Look at the person talking
Hear every word they say
Think about what it means
Wait your turn to talk
Fun Fact!
Good listeners remember more! When you really listen, your brain is like a camera taking pictures of the words.
What Does Your Body Do?
When you listen, your whole body helps!
Sit still
Hands quiet
Feet calm
Face speaker
Examples
Let's see what active listening looks like!
Example 1: Circle Time
Situation: Your teacher reads a story about a bunny.
Good Listener: Maya sits with her legs crossed. She looks at the book. She thinks about the bunny. When the teacher asks "What did the bunny find?", Maya raises her hand because she was listening!
Why it works: Maya used her eyes, ears, and brain together!
Example 2: Friend Talking
Situation: Your friend tells you about their new puppy.
Good Listener: Sam looks at his friend. He nods his head. He waits until his friend is done. Then he says, "Wow, what color is your puppy?"
Why it works: Sam showed he cared by looking, waiting, and asking a question!
Example 3: Directions from Teacher
Situation: Teacher says, "Put away your crayons, then line up."
Good Listener: Lily stops coloring. She listens to both steps. She puts her crayons away FIRST, THEN lines up.
Why it works: Lily heard the order of steps and did them right!
Example 4: Parent Giving Rules
Situation: Dad says, "Don't run by the pool."
Good Listener: Carlos stops and looks at Dad. He says, "Okay, I'll walk." He walks slowly by the pool.
Why it works: Carlos listened, said he understood, and did the right thing!
Example 5: Learning Something New
Situation: Teacher shows how to write the letter B.
Good Listener: Emma watches the teacher's hand. She listens to "down, up, bump, bump." She pictures making a B in her mind before she tries.
Why it works: Emma watched AND listened, then practiced in her brain first!
Practice Problems
Think about each question. What would a good listener do?
Problem 1
Your teacher is reading a book. What should you look at?
Show Answer
Look at the teacher and the book. This helps you focus and shows you are listening!
Problem 2
Your friend is telling a story but you want to say something. What do you do?
Show Answer
Wait until your friend finishes talking. Then it's your turn! Good listeners are patient.
Problem 3
What parts of your body help you listen? Name three!
Show Answer
Your ears hear the words, your eyes watch the speaker, and your brain thinks about what they mean!
Problem 4
The teacher says "First wash your hands, then get your snack." What do you do first?
Show Answer
Wash your hands first! The word "first" tells you what comes before "then."
Problem 5
You didn't hear what the teacher said. What should you do?
Show Answer
Raise your hand and say, "Can you please say that again?" Good listeners ask when they need help!
Problem 6
Why should you sit still when someone is talking?
Show Answer
Sitting still helps you focus. When your body is calm, your brain can listen better!
Problem 7
Your mom is giving you directions but the TV is on. What should you do?
Show Answer
Look at your mom instead of the TV. You can't listen to two things at once!
Problem 8
How can you show someone you are listening without saying words?
Show Answer
You can nod your head, look at them, and smile. Your body can show you care!
Problem 9
Someone finishes telling you something. What's a nice thing to say?
Show Answer
You could say "That's cool!" or ask a question like "What happened next?" This shows you were listening!
Problem 10
Is it okay to think about your answer while someone is still talking?
Show Answer
No! If you think about your answer, you might miss what they say. Listen first, then think about your answer!
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned!
Question 1
What is active listening?
Show Answer
Active listening means paying close attention when someone talks. You use your ears, eyes, and brain all together!
Question 2
What are the four "listening superpowers" we learned about?
Show Answer
The four superpowers are: Eyes watch, Ears listen, Brain thinks, and Mouth waits!
Question 3
Why is it important to look at someone when they talk?
Show Answer
Looking at someone helps you focus and shows you care about what they're saying!
Question 4
What should your body do when you're listening?
Show Answer
Your body should be calm and still: sit still, hands quiet, feet calm, and face the speaker!
Next Steps
Practice at Home!
- Play the "Listening Game" - have someone give you 2 things to do in order!
- At dinner, practice looking at who is talking
- Count how many times you can nod while someone tells a story