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Developing skills to listen to others' ideas and feelings.
Have you ever tried to tell a secret to a wall? It doesn't feel very good! What if you had a 'superpower' that could make your friends feel happy and understood just by using your ears?
Most people think we only listen with our ears, but we actually use our whole body! To show someone you care about their ideas, you can use the 'Listening Checklist.' First, your eyes look at the person speaking. Second, your mouth stays quiet so you don't miss any words. Third, your hands and feet stay still. Finally, your heart tries to understand how the speaker feels. When we do this, we are being respectful, which means treating others the way we want to be treated.
Imagine your friend Sam is telling you about his new puppy. 1. You turn your body toward Sam. 2. You look at his face while he talks. 3. You keep your hands in your lap instead of playing with your pencil. 4. You wait until he stops talking before you say, 'That sounds like a fun puppy!'
Quick Check
Besides your ears, name two other parts of your body you can use to show you are listening.
Answer
You can use your eyes (looking at the speaker) and your hands/feet (keeping them still).
Your teacher is explaining how to play a new game. You have a great question! 1. You feel the urge to shout out your question immediately. 2. You remember the 'Bridge Rule' and keep your mouth closed. 3. You wait for the teacher to stop talking and take a breath. 4. You raise your hand to show you are ready to speak.
Quick Check
Why is interrupting like a car crash on a narrow bridge?
Answer
Because two people are trying to use the 'space' at the same time, and the ideas get messy or lost.
Sometimes we get angry because of a misunderstanding. This is like having a puzzle with a missing piece. If we don't listen, we never find that piece! When we listen to why someone is upset, we learn new information. For example, if a friend bumps into you, you might think they did it on purpose. But if you listen, you might hear them say, 'I'm sorry, I tripped!' Listening helps us see the whole picture so we can solve problems together.
Leo is sad because Maya took his red crayon. Maya is upset because she thought it was hers. 1. Instead of yelling, Leo asks Maya why she has the crayon. 2. Maya explains she found it on the floor and thought it was the one she lost. 3. By listening, Leo realizes it was just a mistake, not a mean act. 4. They solve the problem by looking for Maya's real crayon together.
What should your hands be doing while you are listening to a teacher?
Why is it important to let someone finish speaking?
Listening can help stop arguments before they start.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to remember the 4 parts of the 'Listening Checklist' (Eyes, Mouth, Hands, Heart).
Practice Activity
During dinner tonight, try to be a 'Super Listener.' See if you can wait for 3 seconds after someone finishes talking before you start your turn!