Active Listening
The ability to listen attentively and understand what others are saying.
Here’s a set of practical activities to support the development of the social skill of active listening for home educated children. These activities help children learn to focus, respond appropriately, and show empathy and respect during conversations.
🧠 What Is Active Listening?
Active listening involves:
Paying full attention to the speaker
Showing interest through body language and eye contact
Responding thoughtfully
Remembering and reflecting on what was said
🎲 Game-Based Listening Activities
1. Listening Detective
Read a short story or give a set of instructions.
Ask children to listen carefully and answer questions or follow the steps.
Builds attention and recall.
2. Simon Says
Classic game that requires careful listening and quick response.
Add complexity with multi-step commands.
3. Telephone Game
Whisper a message down a line of people (or toys if solo).
See how the message changes and discuss why listening matters.
📚 Storytelling & Discussion
4. Story Retelling
Read a short story and ask children to retell it in their own words.
Encourage them to include key details and emotions.
5. “What Did You Hear?” Game
After a conversation or story, ask:“What did the character say?”
“What was the most important part?”
“How did they feel?”
6. Role Play Conversations
Practice taking turns speaking and listening.
Use puppets or toys to act out respectful dialogue.
🎨 Creative Listening Activities
7. Draw What You Hear
Describe a scene or object without showing it.
Children draw based on what they hear.
Encourages careful listening and interpretation.
8. Sound Scavenger Hunt
Sit quietly and listen for sounds (e.g., birds, cars, footsteps).
Write or draw what they hear and discuss together.
9. Music Pause & Reflect
Play a piece of music and pause to ask:“What instruments did you hear?”
“How did it make you feel?”
“What was your favorite part?”
🧺 Everyday Listening Boosters
10. Listening Check-In
Start the day with a question like:“What are you looking forward to today?”
Practice listening and responding with interest.
11. Instruction Relay
Give a set of instructions for a task (e.g., making a sandwich).
Children follow the steps exactly as heard.
12. Family Listening Circle
Take turns sharing something about the day.
Others listen without interrupting, then ask a follow-up question.
🧘 Mindful Listening Practice
13. Mindful Listening Bell
Ring a bell or chime.
Children close their eyes and raise their hand when the sound stops.
Builds focus and auditory awareness.
14. Listening with Feelings
Share a sentence with different emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry).
Ask children to identify the feeling based on tone and expression.
15. Listening Affirmations
Practice saying and hearing affirmations like:“I listen with care.”
“I respect others when they speak.”
“I ask questions to learn more.”