Active Listening Skills

Objective

Students will develop effective listening skills essential for public speaking by identifying key points, summarizing information, and providing constructive feedback. This lesson aligns with Common Core State Standards for Speaking and Listening (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 and SL.5.2).

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Standards Addressed

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.2: Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

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Materials

• Timer or stopwatch
• Small whiteboard and markers
• Notebooks and pencils for each student
• Simple short paragraph or speech (prepared by teacher) about a fun topic (e.g., interesting animals, famous person)

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Duration: 45 Minutes

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a quick discussion: Ask students "What does it mean to be a good listener?" and "Why is listening important when someone is speaking in public?"
• Write student answers on the whiteboard to activate prior knowledge.
• Introduce the goals for today: learning to listen carefully to speakers and understanding how we can show that we are good listeners.

2. Mini Lesson: Focused Listening Skills (10 minutes)

• Explain three key skills in listening for public speaking:

  1. Pay attention: Look at the speaker and avoid distractions.
  2. Understand the message: Follow along and think about what the speaker means.
  3. Provide feedback: Show you’re listening with nods, questions, or summaries.

• Demonstrate with a short teacher-read speech (1-2 minutes). Participants practice paying attention and note 3 important facts or ideas in their notebooks.

3. Paired Listening Activity (15 minutes)

• Students pair up, each taking turns being the speaker or the listener.

• Speakers will share a short 2-minute story or speech on a familiar topic (teacher provides or students create simple ideas like a favorite hobby or pet).

• The listener practices focused listening as taught, taking brief notes.

• After speaking, listeners summarize what they heard and give positive feedback or questions.

• Teacher circulates to observe, support, and ensure focus on listening skills.

4. Group Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Regroup and ask:

  • What was easy or hard about being a good listener?
  • How did it feel to have someone listen carefully to you?
  • Why do you think good listening helps speakers?

• Encourage students to reflect on CCSS expectations: engaging in discussions and summarizing information.

5. Wrap-Up and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick written exit ticket: In 2-3 sentences, students write one thing they learned about being a better listener and one way they will practice it in the future.
• Collect exit tickets as formative assessment aligned with the standards.

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Extension Ideas (Optional)

• Use audio or video clips of speeches and ask students to practice active listening and summarizing.
• Integrate technology by having students record their speeches and peer listeners provide feedback using tablets or apps to enhance engagement.

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Notes to Teacher

• Tailor speech topics to student interests to maximize engagement.
• Keep instructions clear and simple, checking for understanding frequently.
• Praise efforts to reinforce positive listening behaviors, which supports classroom community and communication skills development.