Research has shown that those who are explicitly taught how to listen are better listeners.
No one is capable of listening 100% of the time nor can we "multi-task" listen.
Adults must model active listening for children for them to learn.
The word LISTEN contains the same letters as the word SILENT. : )
Active listening skills
Paraphrasing - repeating back using different words (i.e. "I had a bad day"..."Sounds like you had a rough day".
Reflection - choosing one specific detail to repeat back to speaker ("I heard that....").
Summarizing - highlighting a few key points of longer stories to show interest.
Minimal Encouragers - demonstrating listening through verbal (i.e. "uh-huh", "sure", etc.) and nonverbal cues (i.e. nodding, eye contact, etc. ).
Body Language - how our body positioning impacts how we are received as listeners (i.e. leaning in, arms folded, etc.)
Clarifying Questions - open-ended questions to indicate listening and expand on conversation (i.e "Can you tell me more about...?").
Clarifying Statements - open-ended statements that invite further explanation (i.e. "Say more about that".).
What will Students be taught?
Students will practice their listening skills through stories read aloud and activities that involve the key components of active listening. We will wrap up our lesson with a fun listening game called Walk and Stop. A video demonstration of this game is below.