Active and Reflective Listening
School is around the corner and many parents are currently buying school supplies, clothes, shoes, and preparing to meet teachers. During this school year, and every school year, it is imperative that educators and parents take the time to practice their active and reflective listening skills with children.
Active listening is simply being able to actively listen to any child when they are talking. Four ways to actively listen includes:
While your child or any child is talking, stop what you are doing and listen. When a child sees that you sacrificed your time to listen to what they have to say, they feel valued.
Do not interrupt any child while they are talking. Allow them to process their thoughts.
Do not label or judge the child as they tell their story or share information.This hinders your relationship with the child and they begin to feel inadequate.
Do not compare any child to anyone else. Each child is unique and they need to feel that they are important and valued.
Reflective listening is simply repeating what anyone is saying so that they know that you were actively listening. An example includes, “I hear that your favorite snack is chocolate chip cookies. Do you like to drink milk with your cookies?” Next time a child is sharing their story, repeat to them what they said so that they know that you were listening and feel appreciated.
As the school begins and Meet the Teachers night approaches, parents and educators can take time to practice active and reflective listening. When students complete the “About Me” activities at the beginning of the school year, teachers should have students read it themselves and from there, teachers can practice their listening skills.
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