Lesson Plan
Active Ears Plan
Students will demonstrate three active listening behaviors during a peer interview by actively participating in a warm-up game, observing modeled behaviors, conducting peer interviews, and reflecting using a checklist.
Active listening is a critical life skill that helps students build stronger relationships, understand others better, and succeed academically. This lesson will equip them with practical strategies to become better communicators.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through interactive activities and peer practice.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers, Listen Up Slides, Paper and pencils, Listening Bingo cards, Listening Checklist, and Active Ears Challenge Script
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Listen Up Slides and practice the transitions.
* Print or prepare to display the Listening Bingo cards.
* Print or prepare to distribute the Listening Checklist.
* Familiarize yourself with the Active Ears Challenge Script.
* Ensure you have a whiteboard or projector and markers ready.
Step 1
Warm-up: Listening Bingo
5 minutes
- Begin with the Listening Bingo warm-up to engage students and introduce the concept of listening.
* Explain how to play: Students mark behaviors they notice during a short scenario or a few sentences spoken by the teacher.
* Discuss what makes a 'good listener' based on their observations from the game.
Step 2
Model Active Listening Behaviors
10 minutes
- Use the Listen Up Slides to introduce and model three active listening behaviors (e.g., eye contact, nodding/non-verbal cues, asking clarifying questions).
* Demonstrate each behavior, perhaps with a student volunteer or by having students identify the behavior as you model it.
* Emphasize why these behaviors are important.
Step 3
Peer Interviews
10 minutes
- Pair students up for peer interviews.
* Provide a simple topic for them to interview each other about (e.g.,
Step 4
Checklist Reflection
5 minutes
- Distribute the Listening Checklist.
* Have students use the checklist to reflect on their own active listening behaviors during the peer interviews.
* Facilitate a brief class discussion about their reflections and what they learned.
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Slide Deck
Active Ears Challenge: Listen Up!
What does it mean to really listen?
It's more than just hearing words!
Welcome students and introduce the idea of listening. Ask them what it means to truly listen.
Active Listening Behavior 1: Eye Contact
Look at the speaker!
- Shows you're paying attention.
- Helps you focus on their message.
- Makes the speaker feel heard.
Introduce the first key behavior: eye contact. Explain why it's important and model it.
Active Listening Behavior 2: Non-Verbal Cues
Show you're engaged!
- Nodding: A simple way to show understanding.
- Facial Expressions: Match the speaker's emotion (e.g., smile when they're happy, look thoughtful when they're serious).
- Body Language: Lean in slightly to show interest.
Introduce the second key behavior: non-verbal cues. Explain and model nodding and appropriate facial expressions.
Active Listening Behavior 3: Asking Questions
Make sure you understand!
- Clarifying Questions: "Could you explain what you mean by...?"
- Paraphrasing: "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..."
- Shows you're thinking about what they said.
Introduce the third key behavior: asking clarifying questions. Explain why it's important and give examples.
Your Active Listening Toolkit!
Remember our three active listening super skills:
- Eye Contact
- Non-Verbal Cues (like nodding!)
- Asking Clarifying Questions
Get ready to put them into action!
Summarize the three behaviors and prepare students for the peer interview activity.
Game
Listening Bingo!
Instructions: As your teacher reads a short story or gives instructions, mark off any active listening behaviors you notice your classmates doing, or behaviors you do yourself. The goal is to get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
Teacher Scenario/Prompt Ideas:
- The Mystery of the Missing Lunchbox: "Yesterday, something very strange happened in the classroom. When I went to get my lunchbox from my cubby, it wasn't there! I looked under my desk, checked the art corner, and even peeked inside the reading nook. I felt a little worried, because my favorite sandwich was inside! Then, I remembered that Ms. Davis borrowed it to carry some paintbrushes to the art room earlier. She totally forgot to give it back! Can you believe it? My sandwich was safe all along, but I almost went hungry!"
- Describe your favorite animal and why.
- Explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- Recount a short, exciting thing you did over the weekend.
- Give instructions for a simple drawing activity.
Rubric
Active Listening Checklist: Peer Interview
Student Name: ____________________________
Interview Partner: ________________________
Instructions: As you reflect on your peer interview, use this checklist to assess your own active listening behaviors. For each behavior, check the box that best describes your effort. Be honest with yourself!
| Active Listening Behavior | I did this almost all the time! | I did this some of the time. | I need to work on this. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Made Eye Contact | |||
| I looked at my partner when they were speaking. | |||
| 2. Used Non-Verbal Cues | |||
| I nodded, showed interest with my face, or leaned in. | |||
| 3. Asked Clarifying Questions | |||
| I asked questions to understand better or paraphrased what they said. |
Reflection Questions:
-
Which active listening behavior did you feel you did best during the interview? Why?
-
Which active listening behavior do you want to improve next time? What specific strategy will you try?
-
How did it feel when your partner was actively listening to you? Why is it important to make others feel heard?
Script
Active Ears Challenge: Teacher Script
Warm-up: Listening Bingo (5 minutes)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to become active listening superstars. To kick us off, we're going to play a game called Listening Bingo."
"I'm going to read a short story or give some instructions. As I speak, and as you observe your classmates, I want you to mark off any active listening behaviors you see or do yourself on your Bingo card. The goal is to get five in a row – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. You can use a pencil to gently mark your squares. Ready?"
(Teacher reads a short story, gives instructions, or describes something engaging for 2-3 minutes while students mark their cards.)
"Alright, let's see! Who got a Bingo? What were some of the behaviors you noticed? What makes someone a 'good listener' based on what you just saw or did?"
Model Active Listening Behaviors (10 minutes)
"That was a great start! Now, let's dive deeper into what active listening really looks like. We're going to go through our Listen Up Slides to learn three key active listening behaviors."
(Advance to Slide 2: "Active Listening Behavior 1: Eye Contact")
"First up: Eye Contact. When someone is speaking to you, making eye contact shows them you're engaged. It helps you focus and shows respect. Watch me: (Teacher models good eye contact, then poor eye contact like looking away or at the ceiling). Which one makes you feel like I'm listening?"
(Advance to Slide 3: "Active Listening Behavior 2: Non-Verbal Cues")
"Next, Non-Verbal Cues. This means using your body to show you're listening. A simple nod of your head, a thoughtful expression on your face, or even leaning in slightly can signal engagement. (Teacher models nodding, then a blank stare; a thoughtful expression, then looking bored). What do you notice about these different ways of showing you're listening?"
(Advance to Slide 4: "Active Listening Behavior 3: Asking Questions")
"Finally, Asking Questions. A truly active listener doesn't just hear; they think and process. If something isn't clear, they ask a clarifying question. Or, they might rephrase what they heard to make sure they understood correctly. For example, if someone says, 'I had a fantastic time at the park, especially on the swings,' you could ask, 'What made the swings so fantastic?' or 'So, you really enjoyed the park, particularly the swings, right?' This shows you're really trying to understand."
(Advance to Slide 5: "Your Active Listening Toolkit!")
"So, our three active listening super skills are: Eye Contact, Non-Verbal Cues, and Asking Clarifying Questions. You've got your toolkit; now let's put it to use!"
Peer Interviews (10 minutes)
"Now it's your turn to practice! I want you to pair up with a partner. One of you will be the interviewer, and the other will be the interviewee. You're going to interview your partner about their favorite hobby or something they love to do outside of school. Remember to use our three active listening behaviors!"
"The interviewer should try to ask open-ended questions and truly listen to their partner's answers, using eye contact, non-verbal cues, and clarifying questions. After about 5 minutes, you'll switch roles."
"I'll be walking around, observing your amazing active listening in action. Go ahead and find a partner!"
(Monitor students, offer guidance and encouragement. After 5 minutes, prompt them to switch roles.)
"Alright everyone, time to switch roles! If you were the interviewer, you're now the interviewee, and vice versa. Let's make sure everyone gets a chance to practice both listening and speaking."
(Monitor for another 5 minutes.)
Checklist Reflection (5 minutes)
"Fantastic effort, everyone! Now, let's take a moment to reflect on your active listening skills. I'm handing out the Listening Checklist."
"I want you to honestly assess your own performance during the peer interview. For each behavior – Eye Contact, Non-Verbal Cues, and Asking Clarifying Questions – check the box that best describes how well you did. Then, answer the reflection questions at the bottom."
(Give students 3-4 minutes to complete the checklist and questions.)
"Alright, let's share. What was one thing you felt you did really well as an active listener today? (Pause for responses). What's one thing you want to work on next time? (Pause for responses). Why do you think it's so important for us to practice active listening, not just in school, but in all parts of our lives?"
"Thank you for participating in the Active Ears Challenge! Remember to keep those active ears on, both inside and outside the classroom!"