The Art of Listening

You hear but do you listen?

Herein lies the key to meaningful relationships, sharing extraordinary experiences, and making meaning of everyday living with children and colleagues.

The ability to transcribe and translate what we observe children doing and thinking comes from our ability to listen.

To see beyond the obvious is directly linked to the art of listening.

How can a teacher, whose day is filled with "busyness" master this skill?

Relationships are the key to a meaningful experiences and they are based on the ability to engage in the art of listening, respecting and caring for another.

Here are a few tips.

Take a moment before the children arrive and be thankful for the gift of teaching, gratitude motivates.

Observe your environment and make any necessary modifications to accommodate the needs of the classroom-remember it is a living space that will foster or disrupt relationships.

Greet the children when they arrive and depart; acknowledging someones presence validates them.

Slow down, the day is not a race, there is no quota for the amount of experiences that need to be documented or completed. Give yourself, and the most importantly, the children, time-

time to work, reflect and design. This is in itself is the act of listening.

Do not insult children with false praise. They don't need to hear, "that's nice, great job, and wow look at that." all the time. 

 This type of superficial praising can be detrimental and foster the desire to always need validation instead of finding it from within.

Instead engage in meaningful discourse that honors their intelligence, just as you would with a good friend.

Showing children we are interested in them,

sitting with them while they work, taking photographs and documenting is the act the praising.
Validation is praise!
Here are some suggestions for comments which lend themselves to acknowledging and validating the children's efforts and indirectly give praise.

You've spent a lot of time working with the clay. Can you tell me about your work.

This is such an interesting structure. You've added so many different elements.

Can I get you another loose part to add?

Is there anything I can do to help?

Would you like to label your work?

Should we save this for tomorrow?

At the end of their time with you, your students should leave your classroom richer in mind and spirit, motivated to continue on the journey of learning, and fortified with the belief that they matter.