Listening is Key Lesson Plan
Listening is Key
Kindergarten • Responsibility • 15 Minutes
Tier 1
Classroom
Objective
Students will understand that listening is a key part of being responsible and will practice active listening skills to follow directions and show respect to others.
Introduction
Greet students and introduce the concept of responsibility. Explain that just like we are responsible for our toys or our backpacks, we are responsible for our ears and how we use them to listen to others.
Materials Needed
- "Listening is Key" Slide Deck
- Video: "Why is Listening Important?"
- Listening Discussion Guide
- Listen and Follow Worksheet
- Crayons or colored pencils
Instructional Sequence
Step 1
2m
Introduction to Responsibility
Ask the class: "What does it mean to be responsible?" (Wait for answers like: cleaning up, taking care of things). Explain that listening to teachers and friends is also a big part of being responsible.
Step 2
4m
Watch the Video Direct Instruction
Show the video "Why is Listening Important?". Ensure students are seated in their "listening spots" (legs crossed, hands in lap).
Step 3
4m
Guided Discussion
Use the Discussion Guide to explore Ryan's story. Focus on how not listening affects others and how good listening makes us reliable friends.
Step 4
4m
Listening Activity
Hand out the Listen and Follow Worksheet. Explain that you will only say the directions one time. This encourages them to use their responsible listening skills immediately.
Step 5
1m
Closure
Recap: "Being responsible means using our ears to hear others." Challenge students to be "Listening Superstars" for the rest of the day.
Teaching Tips for Kindergarten
Pacing
Keep the energy high and transitions quick. 15 minutes is the "sweet spot" for this age group.
Positive Reinforcement
Catch students being "responsible listeners" and name the specific behavior (e.g., "I love how Sarah is looking right at me!").
Listening is Key Slides
Listening is Key
Being Responsible with Our Ears
What is Responsibility?
Cleaning Up
Being Kind
Listening!
Time to Watch
4 Minutes
Embedded media
Question 1
Why is it important to listen to others?
Feel Good
Learning
Safety
Question 2
How did Ryan feel when others didn't listen?
Question 3
What can we do to be
better listeners?
- Look at the speaker
- Quiet voices
- Respect others
Activity Time!
Get your crayons ready...
Teacher: Give directions only ONE time!
Listening Discussion Guide
Listening Discussion Guide
Topic: Responsibility through Active Listening
This guide helps facilitate a discussion about the importance of listening based on the video 'Why is Listening Important?'. Use these prompts to help Kindergarteners connect the concept of "responsibility" to their daily ears-on listening.
1
Why is it important to listen to others?
Encourage students to share why they think listening is important.
Key Discussion Points
- It shows respect to the person talking.
- It helps us learn new things.
- It keeps us and others safe.
Teacher Follow-up
"How does it feel in your heart when someone listens to you? Does it make you feel important?"
2
How did Ryan feel when others didn't listen to him?
Ask students to identify Ryan's feelings and discuss why he felt that way.
Help students connect specific emotions to the action of being ignored.
Sad Frustrated Invisible Lonely
3
What can we do to be better listeners?
Encourage practical examples of good listening behaviors.
Introduce the "Whole Body Listening" concept:
Eyes
Looking at the speaker
Mouth
Quiet and not interrupting
Body
Still and facing front
Wrap Up Point:
Being a good listener is a huge part of being a responsible student and friend!
Listening Worksheet
Listen and Follow
Listening Superstar
Name
Date
Teachers: Read each direction only once. Give students time to find their crayons before reading the next instruction.
Task 1
Listen Carefully!
"Listen to your teacher's instruction for the star."
Task 2
Listen Carefully!
"Listen to your teacher's instruction for the tree."
I am a Responsible Listener!