Listen Up Teacher Guide Listen Up!
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grade 3 • 30 Minutes
Objective
Define & practice active listening strategies.
Audience
Tier 1 • 3rd Grade Students
Time
30-Minute Session
Why This Matters
Good listening helps students understand others, learn new things, avoid misunderstandings, and build stronger friendships. It is the foundation of a respectful and productive classroom community.
Preparation
Review the Super Ears Slide Deck .
Print Listening Mission Activity Sheets for each student.
Prepare the Sound Check Exit Tickets .
Materials Checklist
Whiteboard or Projector
Super Ears Slide Deck
Listening Mission Activity Sheets
Sound Check Exit Tickets
Markers or Pens
The Lesson Flow
1
Introduction: What is Listening?
5 MIN
Begin by asking students: "What do you think listening actually means?"
Use the first few slides to introduce hearing vs. listening . Discuss why listening matters at school, home, and with friends.
2
Active Listening Skills
10 MIN
Present key strategies from the slides:
Making eye contact
Nodding/encouraging gestures
Asking clarifying questions
Waiting for a pause (not interrupting)
Model it! Do a brief role-play with a volunteer to show these skills in action.
3
Listening Mission Activity
10 MIN
Pair students up and distribute the activity sheets. One student talks for 1-2 minutes while the other practices "Super Ears" skills.
"I'll be walking around to spot students using their listening superpowers. Look for eye contact and nodding!"
4
Reflection & Cool Down
5 MIN
Reconvene the class. Have students complete the Sound Check Exit Ticket individually. Collect these to assess student understanding and personal goals.
Super Ears Slides Superpower Training
Listen Up!
The Superpower of Hearing
Greet students enthusiastically. Ask: "What does 'listening' mean to you?"
Hearing vs. Listening
Hearing
Sounds just happen! Your ears pick them up automatically.
Example: A door slamming
Listening
You are CHOOSING to pay attention to understand the sound.
A Superpower Choice!
Why is Listening Important?
Learn More
Understand your teacher and school lessons better.
Build Friendships
Friends feel respected when you listen to them.
Avoid Mistakes
Catch the details so you know what to do next.
Feel Good
It helps everyone in the room feel understood.
Active Listening!
It's not just with your ears... it's with your whole body!
Get ready to unlock 3 Super Skills.
Skill #1
Eyes on the Speaker
"When I look at you, it shows you that I'm focused only on what you are saying."
Skill #2
Show You Are Listening
Nod your head
Small smile
Thoughtful face
Skill #3
Don't Interrupt
Wait for a pause. Your turn will come, and your ideas are important too!
Time to Practice!
Grab your partner and your Listening Mission sheet!
1
Partner Up
2
Pick a Speaker
3
Listen Hard!
Listening Mission Activity Sheet Listening Mission
Active Listening Superpower Practice
Agent Name:
Mission Date:
The Mission Briefing
Find a partner. Decide who is Partner A and Partner B.
Round 1: Partner A talks for 1-2 minutes. Partner B uses Super Listening Skills.Round 2: Switch roles! Partner B talks while Partner A listens.
Round 1
Speaker (Partner A)
Share a short story, describe your favorite animal, or tell about a favorite toy.
Listener (Partner B) Checklist:
Eyes on Speaker
Nod & Smile
No Interrupting
Quick Summary:
Write one sentence about what you heard...
Round 2
Speaker (Partner B)
Describe your favorite food or tell about something fun you did recently.
Listener (Partner A) Checklist:
Eyes on Speaker
Nod & Smile
No Interrupting
Quick Summary:
Write one sentence about what you heard...
Partner Debrief (Talk about it!)
"What felt easy about listening?"
"What felt hard?"
"How did it feel when your partner was listening well?"
"Did you notice your partner nodding?"
Sound Check Exit Ticket Cool Down
Sound Check
Final Reflection Mission
Name:
Date:
1
What is one new thing you learned about listening today?
2
Name one "Active Listening Superpower" you want to try to use more often.
3
How can being a better listener help you at school, at home, or with your friends?
Keep using your superpowers!
