Active Listening

Being a strong listener is an important part of being a good friend and being able to understand others. When we really listen to what someone is saying, we understand their point of view better. Active listening is an essential piece of fairness because it ensures that everyone can express their thoughts and feel heard.

Grade Level: 6-12

Character Skills

Respect
Fairness
Caring

SEL Skills

Relationship Skills
Social Awareness

Academic Skills

Diligent Learner
Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Respect

Follow the Golden Rule.
Be accepting of differences.
Be courteous to others.
Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
Be considerate of others’ feelings.

Fairness

Play by the rules.
Take turns and share.
Be open-minded. Listen to others.
Don’t take advantage of others.

Caring

Be kind.
Be compassionate.
Express gratitude.
Forgive others.
Be considerate of others’ feelings.

Relationship Skills

Create positive relationships and meaningful connections with family members, classmates, and teachers.

Social Awareness

Assess and be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.

Diligent Learner

Exhibit a growth mindset and willingness to learn from mistakes.

Self-Direction and Engagement

Fully engaged in the educational process and connected to the school community.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.

Share This Activity

Participants will have a conversation with a partner to focus on being an active listener.

Instructions

Play “Last Letter, First Word.”
- Ask students to find a partner.
- Give students the following instructions:
  - You are going to have a conversation with your partner about __________ (you can give them a topic of conversation or let them decide one organically).
  - While your partner is talking, you must listen closely. The last letter of the last word that your partner speaks is the letter that the first word you speak must start with. For example:
    - “Hey, how many episodes of Wednesday have you seen?”
    - “Nice show, I love that one. I have seen every episode. How about you?”
    - “Usually I try and watch an episode each night.”
  - Have students chat for 2-3 minutes.
  - If time allwthem rotate and find a new partner with a new topic of conversation.

Journal Prompts

Describe how you felt during that conversation.
What did it feel like to be the listener in that conversation? What about the talker?
What does it mean to be an “active listener?”
When is it important to really listen to what someone is saying?
What might stand in the way of you actively listening to someone? What can you do to overcome those challenges?
How does active listening contribute to fairness?