When engaging in conversation, it’s essential to not only listen with our ears but also with our whole bodies. This concept, known as whole body listening, is a vital skill for children to develop as it helps them better understand and connect with others. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of whole body listening, provide a no-prep activity for educators, suggest discussion questions, and mention related skills. Finally, we’ll encourage you to sign up for free sample materials to support your teaching journey.

Introduction

Whole body listening is a fundamental aspect of social-emotional learning that helps students become more aware of their body language and nonverbal cues. By practicing whole body listening, children can show others that they are genuinely interested in what they have to say. This skill is particularly important in building strong interpersonal relationships and fostering a positive learning environment.

No-Prep Activity: The Listening Statues

This activity is designed to help students practice whole body listening without requiring any preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, have the students stand in a circle. Select one student to be the “speaker” and another to be the “listener.” The speaker will share a short story or a favorite memory, while the listener demonstrates whole body listening by facing the speaker, maintaining eye contact, and nodding or reacting appropriately. Once the speaker has finished, the listener will share one thing they remember from the story and explain how the speaker’s body language helped them understand the story better. Rotate the roles until each student has had the opportunity to be both the speaker and the listener.

Discussion Questions

1. How does whole body listening make you feel when someone is genuinely paying attention to what you’re saying?
2. What are some examples of body language that show you are not listening? How can you improve your whole body listening skills?
3. Why is whole body listening important for building positive relationships with others?
4. Can you think of a time when you didn’t use whole body listening? How did it affect the conversation?
5. How can practicing whole body listening help you become a better friend and classmate?

Related Skills

Whole body listening is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Here are some other related skills that can help students develop strong interpersonal relationships and a positive learning environment:

• Active listening: Focusing on the speaker’s words, asking relevant questions, and paraphrasing to show understanding.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and offering support and encouragement when needed.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions and understanding how they can impact interactions with others.
• Respect: Treating others with kindness and valuing their opinions, even if they differ from our own.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner, and working together to find solutions.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of whole body listening and its role in social-emotional learning, we encourage you to explore more resources and activities to support your students’ development. To help you get started, we invite you to sign up for free samples of skill-building materials and other resources at Everyday Speech. These materials will provide you with additional tools and techniques to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for your students.