Author: Leah Kelsey 

Summary

● Active listening: is a communication technique that involves fully focusing on and understanding the speaker, as well as demonstrating this understanding through verbal and nonverbal cues.

This means paying attention to not only the words that are being said but also the emotions and body language of the speaker. Active listening involves using verbal responses such as asking questions and providing verbal encouragement to show that the listener is engaged and interested in the conversation.

● Children can practice active listening at school with their peers. At a young age, they can learn how to be active listeners by making eye contact, being still, putting down objects in their hands, and asking questions to understand what is being said and to show that they are interested. When helping children to actively listen, encourage them to repeat what you said to them back to you, invite them to ask questions, and teach them cues of body language such as nodding their head, and saying “mhmm” or “okay,” which cues that they are interested. Modeling practices of active listening in the classroom will also help students feel heard, and they will reflect those behaviors in their interactions.