Welcome students; explain that today’s lesson focuses on really listening to others. Encourage them to think about times when they felt truly heard.

Define active listening in your own words and invite students to share examples. Emphasize listening with purpose rather than just waiting to speak.

Ask students why it might be harder to listen at home. Discuss distractions like phones or chores.

Demonstrate good vs. poor eye contact. Invite a volunteer to practice making eye contact while listening.

Model paraphrasing with a simple statement (e.g., “I’m upset about my grades”). Then restate it in your own words and ask students to try.

Provide sample follow-up questions and have students write one of their own. Encourage open-ended questions.

Explain the practice activity: students pair up and take turns sharing a recent family story while the partner listens actively using the three skills. After 3 minutes, switch roles.