Listening and Belonging

Classroom (Tier 1) • Kindergarten

30 Minutes

Why it Matters

Listening is the foundation of empathy and inclusion. When children feel heard, they feel valued, fostering a sense of belonging that is crucial for a positive classroom community.

Objective

Students will understand the importance of listening as a tool to make others feel valued and included in their community.

Materials Needed

Lesson Slides

Game Guide

Discussion Prompts

Reflection Sheets

Instructional Sequence

1

Warm-Up & Intro

5 MIN

Welcome the students and explain that today we are learning about "Super Listening."
Introduce the idea that listening is a way to show our friends they belong and are important.

2

The Story of Bella & Ryan

5 MIN

Play the video: Why is Listening Important?
Quick Check: Ask, "Why wasn't Ryan listening? How did it make Bella feel?"

3

The Echo Circle Game

10 MIN

Gather students in a circle. Each student shares their name and one thing they like.
The next student repeats what the previous person said before sharing their own.
Focus: Emphasize listening to remember and honor what our friends share.

4

Heart-to-Heart Talk

5 MIN

Discuss: "How does it feel when someone listens to you?"
Discuss: "How does listening help our class feel like a team?"

5

Reflect & Draw

5 MIN

Hand out worksheets for students to draw a picture of a "good listener."
Encourage them to share their drawings with a partner.