Active Listening & "I" Statements Worksheet

Part 1: Active Listening Practice

Directions: Read each scenario. Then, write down how you would show you are actively listening to the speaker.

Scenario 1:

Your friend is upset because they didn't get picked for the school play, even after practicing for weeks.

How you would actively listen (what you would say or do):

Scenario 2:

Your sibling is explaining a complicated new video game to you, and you're having trouble understanding some of the rules.

How you would actively listen (what you would say or do):

Scenario 3:

Your teacher is giving important instructions for a new project.

How you would actively listen (what you would say or do):

Part 2: Crafting "I" Statements

Directions: Rewrite each

Role-Play Scenarios Activity

Instructions:

1. Work in small groups (2-3 students per group).
2. Read your assigned scenario carefully.
3. Act out the scenario TWICE:
   • Round 1: Ineffective Communication - How might people communicate poorly in this situation? (e.g., yelling, ignoring, blaming, interrupting).
   • Round 2: Effective Communication - How can the characters use active listening and "I" statements to resolve the situation? (e.g., making eye contact, paraphrasing, using "I feel... when... because... and I need...")
4. Be prepared to share one of your effective role-plays with the class.

Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Group Project Glitch

Characters: Two or three students working on a group project. One student isn't doing their share of the work, and the deadline is approaching.

Ineffective Communication: The hardworking student complains behind the other student's back or explodes in anger at the last minute.

Effective Communication: The hardworking student uses an "I" statement to express their feelings and needs to the other student, and the other student actively listens.

Scenario 2: The Loud Neighbor

Characters: Two friends or classmates. One friend (A) lives next to a very loud neighbor, and it's making it hard for them to study or sleep. Friend B is the noisy neighbor (or a friend who doesn't understand the problem).

Ineffective Communication: Friend A leaves angry notes, slams doors, or complains to other people without talking to the neighbor.

Effective Communication: Friend A approaches the neighbor respectfully, uses an "I" statement to explain the situation and their feelings, and actively listens to the neighbor's response.

Scenario 3: Sharing a Toy/Item

Characters: Two children/students who want to use the same toy or item at the same time (e.g., a shared art supply, a popular book, a computer).

Ineffective Communication: One child grabs the item, argues, or tells the other to wait without explanation.

Effective Communication: The children use "I" statements to express their desire for the item and actively listen to each other to find a solution (e.g., taking turns, finding an alternative).

Communication Reflection Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts to guide a class discussion after the activities.

Reflecting on Skills:

1. What was the most challenging part of using "I" statements? What made it difficult, and how did you overcome it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How did practicing active listening change how you understood the other person in your role-play scenarios?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Can you think of a time when better communication might have changed the outcome of a situation for you? What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Applying to Real Life:

4. Where in your daily life (at home, with friends, at school) can you start practicing active listening and "I" statements?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. How do you think better communication can improve your relationships with friends, family, or teachers?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. What is one specific thing you will try to do differently in your next conversation to be a better communicator?