Teaching active listening skills is crucial for developing communication, empathy, and learning abilities, especially in young learners. Here's a step-by-step guide for how to teach active listening effectively, whether in a classroom, or at home.
What Is active listening?
Active listening means fully concentrating on what someone is saying, understanding the message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering the conversation. It involves both verbal and non-verbal skills.
Core elements of active listening to teach
Eye Contact: Look at the speaker.
Body Language: Sit still, face the speaker, show interest.
No Interrupting: Wait until the speaker is done.
Reflecting/Paraphrasing: Repeat back what was said in your own words.
Asking Questions: Clarify if needed.
Giving Feedback: Respond appropriately and kindly.
Step-by-step approach
Model it
Show what active listening looks like.
Demonstrate both good and bad examples.
For example. say, “Watch what happens when I interrupt someone” vs. “Watch when I listen quietly and ask questions.”
Use simple language
For young learners:
Use visuals or anchor charts (e.g., “EARS” for: Eye contact, Ask questions, Repeat back, Stay still).
Give short reminders: “Eyes on me,” “Show me your listening ears.”
Practice with games and activities
Here are a few ideas:
Simon says: Builds attention and self-control.
Telephone game: Practice listening and repeating accurately.
Paraphrase partner: In pairs, one person speaks for a minute, the other repeats the key points.
“What’s the message?”: Read or say a short story, then ask questions about what was heard.
Use role-playing
Act out scenarios like:
A friend sharing a problem.
A teacher giving directions.
A sibling telling a story.
Afterward, discuss what good listeners did (or didn’t do).
Reflect and give feedback
After conversations or activities, ask:
“What did you hear?”
“How did you show you were listening?”
“What could you do better next time?”
Praise and reinforce
Catch them being good listeners and say:
“I love how you looked at me while I was talking.”
“You remembered everything I said. Great listening!”
Tools and visuals
Here are some ideas for visuals and tools you can prepare:
Listening checklist or self-assessment rubrics.
Posters with visuals of active listening steps.
Use books or videos that model good listening.
