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Listen Up!

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Neal Fulks

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Listen Up!

Help them succeed as active listeners

This lesson focuses on developing active listening skills among middle school EBD students. Through a combination of video content and interactive activities, students will learn the importance of patience, non-verbal communication, and empathy in listening. This lesson is crucial as it helps students build stronger relationships and enhances their communication skills, which are vital for personal and academic success.

Audience

Middle School EBD Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Video: 4 Things All Great Listeners Know, Discussion Questions, Active Listening Game Instructions, Answer Key, Handout: Active Listening Tips, and PowerPoint Presentation

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what active listening means.
  • Ask students why they think listening is important in everyday life.
  • Introduce the video 4 Things All Great Listeners Know.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

  • Play the video '4 Things All Great Listeners Know'.
  • Encourage students to note down any key points or tips they find interesting.

Step 3

Discussion

5 mins

  • Use the discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about the video.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and any personal experiences related to listening.

Step 4

Active Listening Game

10 mins

  • Organize students into pairs for a role-playing game.
  • One student will speak about a topic of their choice while the other practices active listening.
  • After a few minutes, switch roles.
  • Use the handout to guide students on what to focus on during the activity.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Recap the key points from the lesson.
  • Ask students to share one new thing they learned about listening.
  • Distribute the handout summarizing active listening tips for students to take home.
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Discussion

Active Listening Discussion

A discussion to explore students' understanding of active listening and its importance.

What does active listening mean to you?

Encourage students to think about both verbal and non-verbal aspects of listening.







Why is it important to be a good listener?

Discuss how listening can impact relationships and communication.







Can you share a time when you felt truly listened to?

Guide students to reflect on the feelings and outcomes of being listened to.







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Answer Key

Active Listening Answer Key

An answer key to help guide the evaluation of the active listening game.

What are some non-verbal cues that show you are listening?

Eye contact, nodding, matching facial expressions.
Non-verbal cues like eye contact, nodding, and facial expressions convey attention and empathy.

Why is patience important in listening?

It helps the speaker feel heard and valued.
Patience allows the speaker to express themselves fully, making them feel valued and understood.

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Reading

Active Listening Tips

A handout summarizing key active listening tips for students to use during the game and beyond.

Active Listening Tips

  • Be Patient: Allow the speaker to finish without interrupting.
  • Use Non-Verbal Cues: Maintain eye contact, nod, and use facial expressions.
  • Show Empathy: Try to understand the speaker's emotions and intentions.
  • Ask Questions: Clarify any points you don't understand.
  • Reflect Back: Summarize what the speaker has said to show understanding.
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Reading

Active Listening Presentation

A PowerPoint presentation to accompany the lesson, including an introduction to active listening, key points from the video, discussion prompts, game instructions, and a summary of active listening tips.

Slide 1: Introduction to Active Listening

  • What is active listening?
  • Why is it important?

Slide 2: Key Points from the Video

  • Patience
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Empathy

Slide 3: Discussion Prompts

  • What does active listening mean to you?
  • Why is it important to be a good listener?

Slide 4: Active Listening Game Instructions

  • Pair up and practice listening
  • Focus on non-verbal cues

Slide 5: Active Listening Tips

  • Be patient
  • Use non-verbal cues
  • Show empathy
  • Ask questions
  • Reflect back
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