Active Listening: Listening Helps Us Learn

In October, our 2nd and 3rd graders focused on an important school and life skill: active listening. We read the story Listening Helps Us Learn, which teaches students that listening is more than just hearing words, it’s using our whole body to stay focused, learn, and show respect.

We talked about how teachers work hard to help students learn, but students also play a big part in their own success. One of the most powerful tools they have is being an active listener.

What Is Active Listening?

Students learned that active listening means giving their full attention to their teacher. The story explained each part of whole-body listening:

Eyes Watching

Whatever our eyes are looking at is what our brain pays attention to.
Eyes on the speaker = brain ready to learn.

Ears Listening

When students listen to the teacher’s words, their brain receives the right information.

Mouth Quiet

Talking while the teacher is talking prevents the brain from focusing and makes learning harder.

Hands & Feet Still

When hands or feet are making noise, the brain splits its attention, and learning becomes more difficult.

Brain Thinking

Students must keep their thoughts on the lesson. Thinking about what the teacher is teaching helps with remembering and understanding.

Participation

Active listening also means taking part in activities and discussions to support learning.

The story reminded students that no matter where they sit in the classroom, they learn best when they use their whole body to listen.

Class Discussion Questions

Students reflected on their own experiences with listening through questions such as:

• Why is it important to keep your eyes on the teacher during a lesson?

• How does it feel when you’re talking and someone isn’t listening to you? Why?

• Which part of active listening is hardest for you? Why?

• What can you do to help a classmate who is struggling to be an active listener?
  
  

These discussions helped students build empathy and understand how listening affects everyone in the classroom.

What We Learned

This lesson helped students practice:

• Staying focused during instruction

• Understanding how their bodies support their learning

• Noticing how their behavior affects others

• Showing respect to teachers and classmates

• Using strategies to improve their listening habits
  
  

Active listeners make stronger learners, and stronger classmates.

Try This at Home

Ask your child:
“What does whole-body listening look like?”
or
“Which part of active listening are you working on?”

These conversations help reinforce classroom expectations in a positive way.