The Listening Sensation

Mia loved telling stories. Every day at snack time, she raced to the circle rug and shared her newest tale. But today, something felt different. Her classmates were chattering about their playground adventures and no one looked her way.

Mia took a deep breath and began her story, but half the class was still talking. She felt a flutter in her chest and her shoulders drooped. Why won’t they listen? she wondered. Her words seemed to float away like bubbles in the air.

As the chatter grew louder, Mia’s voice grew softer. She stopped mid-sentence and hugged her storybook to her chest. Tears pricked her eyes. She felt lonely and left out.

Just then, Leo—a friend from across the circle—noticed Mia’s sad face. He tapped her shoulder and pointed at the quiet “Listening Lighthouse” poster on the wall. The poster reminded everyone to face the speaker, stay quiet, and show they care.

Leo turned to the class and said, “Let’s all be like the Listening Lighthouse! Eyes on Mia, mouths closed, and hearts open.” One by one, the other students settled down. They looked at Mia with interest.

Mia took a deep breath and spoke again. This time, the words flowed like a gentle stream. Her classmates smiled, asked questions, and clapped when she finished. Mia beamed with happiness—she felt heard.

From that day on, the classroom used the Listening Lighthouse rules at snack and story time. They learned that everyone’s words matter, and that listening with kind eyes and patient hearts can turn any story into a special adventure.

Listening Lighthouse Discussion

Purpose: Help students reflect on Mia’s story, connect to their own experiences, and practice respectful listening and empathy.

Setup:

• Gather students in a circle or on the carpet.
• Display Session 1 Slide Deck Slide “Discussion Prompts.”
• Remind students of discussion rules:
  • Listen with eyes, ears, and heart.
  • Speak one at a time.
  • Use kind words and raise your hand.

1. Warm-Up Question (Think-Pair-Share)

“Imagine you are Mia. How would you feel when everyone talks over you?”
Take 30 seconds to think, then share with a partner.
After partners share, ask a few students to share with the class.

Student Response:

Follow-Up:

• Why do you think Mia’s shoulders drooped?
• Have you ever felt that way during class?

2. Story Recall and Empathy

1. “What did Leo do to help Mia feel listened to?”
2. “What are the three rules of the Listening Lighthouse?”

Student Response:

Follow-Up:

• How did Leo’s actions change the group’s behavior?
• Which rule is easiest or hardest for you to remember? Why?

3. Deepening Understanding

Prompt: “A respectful listener shows they care. What body language and words can you use to show you care?”

• Write or draw two listening behaviors (e.g., nodding, saying “Tell me more!”).

Student Response (draw or write):

Follow-Up:

• Let volunteers demonstrate one behavior.
• class gives a thumbs-up if the behavior shows good listening.

4. Connecting to Real Life

Scenario: “During free play, you have a story to share but friends are building blocks and talking loudly.”
Question: “What could you do so your friends hear you?”

Student Response:

Follow-Up:

• Role-play two options: one less respectful and one more respectful.
• Discuss which felt better for the speaker and why.

5. Wrap-Up Reflection

Ask each student to finish this sentence aloud:

“Tomorrow, I will show respectful listening by __________.”

Student Response (one sentence each):

Teacher Tips:

• Praise students for honest answers.
• Remind them to use listening skills during the next story time.
• Post key ideas on chart paper for the week.

Next Step: Use these discussion insights in the Role-Play Activity and Respect Relay Game to practice respectful listening in action!

Empathy Role-Play Cards

Instructions for Pairs:

1. One student (Speaker) reads the scenario aloud.
2. The other student (Listener) practices empathetic listening:
   • Face the Speaker and make eye contact.
   • Nod or use kind words (e.g., “I’m sorry you feel that way,” “Tell me more”).
3. After 1–2 minutes, switch roles and use a new scenario.

Scenarios (6 Cards)

1. Scraped Knee
   Your friend fell and scraped their knee at recess. They’re telling you how much it hurts and how embarrassed they feel.
   
   
   
   
   

2. Forgot Their Lunch
   A classmate realizes they forgot their lunch today and is worried they’ll be hungry. They’re sharing how upset and embarrassed they feel.
   
   
   
   
   

3. Lost a Favorite Toy
   Your friend can’t find their favorite toy at home and is sad they might never see it again. They’re describing why that toy means so much to them.
   
   
   
   
   

4. Family Move Worries
   A classmate’s family is moving to a new house next month. They’re nervous about leaving friends and starting at a new school.
   
   
   
   
   

5. Test Anxiety
   Your partner is worried about the math test tomorrow. They feel nervous and aren’t sure they’re ready.
   
   
   
   
   

6. Left Out at Playtime
   A friend felt left out when others picked teams without asking them. They’re sharing how lonely that made them feel.
   
   
   
   
   

After Each Scenario:

• Listener shares one kind thing they can say.
• Then switch roles and choose a new card.

Use these cards to practice showing respect, understanding feelings, and building empathy with your classmates!

Listening Respect Worksheet

Use this worksheet to practice identifying and showing respectful listening behaviors.

Part 1: Matching

Below are three listening behaviors. Next to each behavior, write the letter (A, B, or C) of the picture that shows that behavior.

1. Facing the speaker with your eyes on them: ___
   
   
   
2. Keeping your mouth quiet (no talking or interrupting): ___
   
   
   
3. Nodding your head to show you understand: ___
   
   
   
   (Picture A, B, and C are shown by your teacher.)

Part 2: Draw Your Own Example

Draw a picture of yourself showing respectful listening.
Remember: eyes on the speaker, quiet mouth, and kind body language.

Student Drawing:

Part 3: Reflect and Write

Why is it important to listen with your eyes, ears, and heart?
Write your answer below.

Student Response:

Try It in Discussion

Use your ideas from this worksheet in our Listening Lighthouse Discussion!
Share one respectful listening behavior you practiced and how it helped you understand someone better.

Respect Relay Game

Objective: Practice recognizing and acting out respectful listening behaviors in a fun, fast-paced relay.

Materials:

• Prompt cards with respectful-listening behaviors (printed on sturdy paper and cut into cards)
• Two cones or markers to designate a start line and a prompt station
• Stopwatch or timer (optional)

Setup

1. Place two cones about 10–15 feet apart: one as the Start Line and one as the Prompt Station.
2. Shuffle the prompt cards and place them face down at the Prompt Station.
3. Divide the class into two teams and have each team line up behind the Start Line.

How to Play

1. The first player from Team A runs from the Start Line to the Prompt Station.
2. The student picks one prompt card and returns to their team without speaking.
3. Back at the Start Line, the player acts out the behavior silently while teammates guess what it is.
4. Once the team correctly names the behavior, the runner tags the next player in line.
5. Team B takes their turn in the same way.
6. The game continues in relay style until one team has acted out and guessed all their prompt cards correctly. That team wins!

Prompt Card Examples

1. Face the speaker and keep your eyes on them.
2. Keep your mouth closed—no talking or interrupting.
3. Nod your head to show you understand.
4. Place your hand on your heart to show you care.
5. Lean slightly forward to show interest.
6. Give a thumbs-up to encourage the speaker.
7. Smile warmly at the person talking.
8. Raise your hand and wait quietly for your turn to speak.
9. Use open hands (palms up) to show you’re listening.
10. Stay still and quiet while someone else is talking.

Reflection

After the relay, gather students in a circle and ask:

• Which respectful-listening behavior was easiest to act out? Hardest?
• How did acting out and guessing help you remember these behaviors?
• How will you use one of these behaviors the next time someone is speaking?

Use these insights to be “Listening Lighthouses” in our classroom every day!

The Respectful Rainbow

It was art time in Ms. Diaz’s class, and everyone was excited to paint a giant rainbow on the bulletin board. Mia loved purple, Leo loved green, and Aisha wanted bright orange. But when they started, voices rose and hands went up all at once.

“Purple should go last!” Mia insisted.
“No, green is more important!” Leo argued.
Aisha frowned. “Orange looks best in the middle!”

Suddenly, the class felt noisy and tense. Mia crossed her arms, Leo stomped his foot, and Aisha’s cheeks turned red. They all felt upset and stuck. The rainbow was supposed to bring color and joy, but now it just brought arguments.

Ms. Diaz saw their sad faces and reminded them of the Listening Lighthouse rules: face the speaker, stay quiet, and show you care. She asked everyone to take a deep breath and listen with their hearts.

Mia spoke first: “I feel sad when I can’t pick my favorite color.”
Leo nodded and said, “I get upset when no one hears me either.”
Aisha added softly, “I just wanted orange to stand out.”

Ms. Diaz smiled. “You all have good ideas. How can we make a rainbow that includes purple, green, and orange in a way everyone likes?”

The friends thought quietly. Then Leo suggested, “What if we put orange in the middle, green right after that, and purple at the end?”
Mia agreed, “Then my purple shines under the sun!”
Aisha beamed, “And green will connect the warm and cool colors nicely.”

They all nodded and started painting together. Each friend took turns adding their color, and classmates applauded their compromise. When the rainbow was done, it glowed with orange, green, and purple—just as they planned.

As they cleaned up, Aisha said, “I felt heard today.”
Mia added, “Listening helped us make something beautiful.”
Leo smiled, “And now we know how to solve problems with respect and care.”

From that day on, the class remembered the Respectful Rainbow: when friends disagree, listening and empathy can help everyone find a colorful solution.

Respect Roots Discussion

Purpose: Help students reflect on the friends’ disagreement in “The Respectful Rainbow,” connect to their own experiences, and practice respectful conflict resolution and empathy.

Setup:

• Gather students in a circle or on the carpet.
• Display Session 2 Slide Deck Slide “Discussion Prompts.”
• Remind students of discussion rules:
  • Listen with eyes, ears, and heart.
  • Speak one at a time and raise your hand.
  • Use kind words and open body language.

1. Warm-Up Question (Think–Pair–Share)

“Think of a time you and a friend both wanted to play different games. How did you feel?”
Take 30 seconds to think, then share with a partner.
After partners share, invite a few students to share with the class.

Student Response:

Follow-Up:

• Why is it hard when friends disagree?
• What feelings come up when someone ignores your idea?

2. Story Recall

1. “What problem did Mia, Leo, and Aisha face when painting the rainbow?”
2. “What Listening Lighthouse rules did Ms. Diaz remind them of?”

Student Response:

Follow-Up:

• How did those rules help the friends start listening?

3. Exploring Empathy and Solutions

Prompt: “When the friends shared their feelings, what did each one say?”
Write or draw:

• Mia’s feeling:
  
  
  
  
• Leo’s feeling:
  
  
  
  
• Aisha’s feeling:
  
  
  
  

Follow-Up:

• Which friend’s feeling was easy or hard to understand? Why?
• How does saying how you feel help solve a problem?

4. Real-Life Connection

Scenario: “You and a friend both want the same marker during art. Your friend grabs it first and won’t let you use it.”
Question: “What could you say or do to solve this kindly?”

Student Response:

Follow-Up:

• Role-play two responses: one without empathy and one with empathy.
• Discuss which felt better for both students.

5. Wrap-Up Reflection

Ask each student to finish this sentence aloud:

“Next time I disagree with a friend, I will show respect by __________.”

Student Response (one sentence each):

Teacher Tips:

• Praise honest answers and diverse ideas.
• Write key student responses on chart paper titled “Respect Roots.”
• Refer back to these ideas during the Conflict Role-Play Activity and Compliment Circle Game.

Next Step: Use these discussion insights in today’s Conflict Role-Play Cards and Respect Reflection Worksheet activities to practice respectful conflict resolution and empathy!

Conflict Role-Play Cards

Instructions for Pairs:

1. One student (Speaker) reads the scenario aloud.
2. The other student (Listener) practices respectful conflict resolution:
   • Listen with eyes, ears, and heart.
   • Name the other person’s feeling (e.g., “I hear you feel upset”).
   • Use kind words (“I’m sorry you feel that way”).
   • Suggest a fair solution both can agree on.
3. After 1–2 minutes, switch roles and pick a new card.

Scenarios (6 Cards)

1. Marker Mix-Up
   You and a friend both reach for the same blue marker during art class. Your friend grabbed it first and won’t let go.
   
   
   
   
   

2. Missed Turn
   You were saving a spot in line, but someone stepped in front of you. When you tell them, they say you’re overreacting.
   
   
   
   
   

3. Loud Talker
   A classmate is talking loudly while you’re reading your favorite book. You ask them to be quieter, and they ignore you.
   
   
   
   
   

4. Block Building Conflict
   During free play, you and a partner both want to build with the same special Lego block at the same time.
   
   
   
   
   

5. Game Rules Argument
   You’re playing a playground game and a friend insists on a rule you don’t think is fair, causing everyone to argue.
   
   
   
   
   

6. Group Project Disagreement
   In a group art project, one student wants to draw, another wants to paint, and you feel left out because no one asks your idea.
   
   
   
   
   

After Each Scenario:

• Listener says:
  1. How the Speaker is feeling (e.g., “I can see you’re frustrated”).
  2. A kind apology or understanding statement.
  3. A fair solution both can try (e.g., “Let’s share the marker by taking turns”).
• Then switch roles and choose a new card.

Use these cards to practice solving disagreements with empathy, respect, and cooperation!

Respect Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on solving disagreements with respect and empathy.

Part 1: Story Solution

What respectful solution did the friends use in “The Respectful Rainbow” story?

Student Response:

Part 2: Draw a Resolution

Draw yourself solving a disagreement with a friend in a kind and fair way.

Student Drawing:

Part 3: Reflect and Write

Why is it important to use empathy and respect when solving disagreements?

Student Response:

Try It in Role-Play

Use your idea from Part 1 to practice in our Conflict Role-Play Cards. Share how it helped solve the disagreement.

Compliment Circle Game

Objective: Build empathy and respect by giving and receiving sincere compliments in a fun, supportive circle.

Materials:

• A soft tossable ball or beanbag
• (Optional) “Compliment Prompt” cards with ideas like “Name one nice thing about their work” or “Share something you admire about them”

Setup

1. Arrange students in a circle, seated or standing so everyone can see each other.
2. If using prompt cards, place them face down in the center of the circle.
3. Explain that when a student catches the ball, they will give a compliment to the person who threw it to them.

How to Play

1. The teacher starts by tossing the ball gently to any student.
2. The catcher looks at the thrower and gives one sincere compliment, for example:
   • “I like how you always share your crayons.”
   • “Your handwriting is so neat!”
   • “You’re a good listener.”
3. After giving the compliment, the student tosses the ball to someone new.
4. Continue passing the ball until every student has both given and received at least one compliment.

(If using prompt cards: after catching the ball, the student draws a card and uses that prompt to form their compliment.)

Reflection

After the game, gather students and ask:

• How did it feel to give a compliment?
  
  
  
• How did it feel to hear something kind about yourself?
  
  
  
• Which compliment surprised you the most?
  
  
  
• How can we use compliments to make our classroom a kinder place every day?

Use these reflections to remind students that respectful words and positive feedback help everyone feel valued and connected.