What would the world be like if everyone talked but nobody listened?
It would be a very lonely place! Being able to listen is a skill that makes your life better. Listening to each other is the way we connect.
But listening means hearing more than just words. Listening is a way to care about other people. Listening means feeling what the other person feels. You can't just pretend that you hear.
When we have problems, it often helps to have someone listen to us. Sometimes we have to help the other person talk. Let your friend know that you are willing to listen if he needs to talk. Or maybe you just need to ask if something is wrong.
Part of listening is letting the other person know you have heard him. You might tell him in your own words what you heard him say. Or ask a question about something he has told you.
Some kids are popular because they are good talkers. Not everyone can be funny and full of stories. But anyone can learn to be a good listener. You might need to practice! Do you know people who are good listeners? Pay attention to them and see what makes them good listeners, and why you like to talk to them.
Tips on listening
You can be a better listener! Here are some ideas for having fun while you learn more about listening.
Just listen. Don't try to do six other things. Give your attention to the person who is talking. Look at them. Let go of your own self for a minute.
Ask a question. Ask a friend to tell you about something he is interested in. If there is something you don't get, ask a question. Then just listen.
Reading out loud. Sit with a friend or parent who will read a story to you. Close your eyes and imagine the scene as you hear the words.
Sounds around you. Just listen and count all the sounds you hear. If you're inside, you'll hear machines, doors closing, water running, people talking, music playing. Outside, listen for the wind, a train, birds, a dog barking, cars on the highway.
Other languages. Do you know people who speak another language? Ask them to talk to you in that language. Can you imagine what they are saying? Can you hear words instead of just a blur of sound? Ask them to say just one word at a time, or one sentence, and tell you what it means.
Class exercise. In your classroom, get in groups of two or three. Have one person read part of a news story out loud. Have the ones that are listening tell the reader what they heard, and see how much they can remember. Then change and let another person read while others listen.
American Sign Language is a way to communicate used by deaf people and those who talk with them. ASL is a complete language that uses signs made with the hands and face. By using movements instead of sounds, a deaf person can say the same things as a hearing person.
All about sign language: talking with your hands
Felicia Lowenstein
Do you know sign language? Some people are born hard-of-hearing, deaf or become deaf later in life. Sign language helps them communicate with people around them. Read about how sign language came about, the jobs where it is useful to know sign language and people who are important to sign language. Also, learn the manual alphabet. In All About Sign Language: Talking With Your Hands, author Felicia Lowenstein talks about how important sign language is as a way to communicate with others.
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