Listening Games

Objective:
Help students understand the importance of listening when engaged in conversation.
Preparation:
Copy paper strips to accomodate the number of students in your class.Cut the ideas into strips and place them into corresponding containers -Container 1 and Container 2.

Note: Copy the directions for the Box#1s on one color and Box #2s on another color to avoid mixing the two up. Also, put the #1s in one basket and the #2s in another basket for the students to draw from. Make enough copies of the directions so each students has a #1 or #2 set of directions. Also make equal numbers of the directions so the students can work in pairs.
Instructions:
1.Divide the class into pairs.
2.Allow one person to choose from the #1 basket and the other person to choose from the #2
basket. Instruct the student to keep their directions secret from their partners.
3.Allow students about two minutes to complete this exercise.
At the end of this exercise,discuss with the students how they felt during this exercise. Then review some good listening skills with the class. A good listener will:
*Sit or stand near the person with whom he/she is communicating.
*Maintain good eye contact.
*Give feedback-let the person know you are listening.
*Concentrate on what he/she is saying.
*Let the person finish what he/she is saying without interruption.
*Watch the speaker's body language- it will help the listener understand what the person is
really saying.
*Don't do something else while someone is talking.
Good Listening skills improve communication. The way we listen to others may distract or enhance communication. We need to practice our listening skills in order to improve our communication.

Directions:
For Box 1
*Tell about your favorite television program.Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about what you did last night from the time you got home from school.Keep talking for at
least two minutes.
*Tell about your vacation last summer.Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about your favorite teacher.Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about your favorite movie.Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about your favorite television program. Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about what you did last night from the time you got home from school. Keep talking for at
least two minutes.
*Tell about your vacation last summer.Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about your favorite teacher.Keep talking for at least two minutes.
*Tell about your favorite movie.Keep talking for at least two minutes.

For Box 2
*While your classmate is talking, stare at the floor or ceiling.
*While your classmate is talking, don't say anything.You may smile, laugh or touch him/her,
but dont say a word.
*While your classmate is talking, act bored with what he/she is saying. (You can yawn ok look
away).
*While your classmate is talking, keep interrupting-don't let him/her ever finish what he/she is
trying to say.
*While your classmate is talking, write a note, read a book, or comb your hair.
*While your classmate is talking, stare at the floor or ceiling.
*While youe classmate is talking, don't say anything. You may smile,laugh, or touch them, but
don't say anything.
*While your classmate is talking, act bored with what he/she is saying. (You can yawn or look
away).
*While you classmate is talking, keep interrupting-don't let him/her ever finish what he/she is
trying to say.
*While your classmate is talking, write a note, read a book, or comb your hair.