Listening

On Friday, we had professional development.  The focus was on Common Core Literacy, specifically “Speaking and Listening”.  As I listened to the first speaker talk about listening with respect, I found myself thinking about her and if she listens to others with respect, does she listen carefully to herself, and more importantly to the message she is sending to others?  We are being charged with changing teaching and learning in multiple ways right now.  Telling teachers they have been doing it wrong, or missing the point, or that if we don’t have proficient learners by grade 3 we are sentencing them to prison isn’t going to work.

Real and lasting change begins with listening, and listening well.  Listening engages us in ways we are not always able to predict.  When we listen respectfully, by honoring the humanity in others, truly listen to the message they are sending, we can open the door to honesty and understanding.  Listening provides an opportunity to be heard.  

If I am respectfully listening, I am not:  critiquing, dismissing, challenging or otherwise engaging in disrespectful behavior.  I am not making assumptions, reading a “tone” or jumping to conclusions.  I am allowing the message to come in unfiltered and understood the way the speaker (or writer) intended it to be.

To get others engaged, try asking questions, then LISTEN.  If we want children to be good listeners, we should model the skill.

When a student wants to tell a story during instruction, make an appointment to hear it later.  And, keep the appointment.  You will be amazed at the relationship you will develop by just listening and following through with the promise to do so.

Take time to hear the full message:  The story, the emotion, the pain, the joy, the hurt, the plea, or the celebration.  Listen to build trust, relationships, and success.

Listen … until it hurts.  You may be surprised at what you hear.