Listening skills Aims

4. Provide structured activities for students to do during or after the listening activity.

If students are watching a documentary or educational film, the teacher might pause periodically to have students write down questions. Alternatively, if students are participating in a group discussion, tell them to take turns as the speaker and provide specific instructions for those who are listening. This might involve taking notes on what the speaker is saying and reporting or paraphrasing their contributions. This strategies allows students to focus their points or ideas before participating in discussions.

5. Create ways for introverted students to participate and contribute to conversations.
Quiet or introverted students often get left out of large group discussions. In order to make participation easier for them, allow students to show their agreement or disagreement with an idea by holding up two fingers for “yes” or three fingers for “no.” This allows all students to participate and indicate they have been listening as well as respond in a way that best suits their needs.
There are a number of ways elementary teachers can help students develop strong speaking and listening skills regardless of the curriculum they’re teaching. These practices will enable students to understand what is expected of them and how to perform well in their lives down the road.