For the next few lessons, 3rd graders will be learning a lot about communication. As adults, we recognize that there are many ways in which human beings communicate. We also know an important factor in a child's development is the ability to effectively communicate. This ability is crucial to success in virtually all aspects of life.
Good communication skills are not only essential to a child's learning process, but they are also necessary to establish friendships and avoid conflicts with others. Many children (and adults) have problems in their relationships because they are not able to express their ideas clearly, so their meanings and intentions may be misunderstood by others.
Some children may have developed habits that essentially block communication of others, making it challenging to learn new concepts and relate to their peers. This may prompt feelings of anger, frustration and sadness in their interactions.
Our first lesson is about LISTENING.
Children will understand the difference between 'hearing' and 'listening', and what it takes to become a good listener. They'll view scenarios of children who are not being good listeners, and witness the consequences - one example show a boy 'tuning out' his mom while he's playing video games. He hears her, but doesn't do as she asks, and loses his game privileges for a week. Whole-body listening is an important component of this lesson. Students have been very vocal about how it feels when they perceive others aren't listening to them. Many comment on how often adults in their lives have their eyes on a screen when the child is talking to them. Perhaps we can all use a refresher course on what it takes to be a good listener!
