SHOWING KINDNESS &

RESPECTFebruary Character Education 2017

Learning Target• I can show kindness to others by

• Being empathetic• Listening• Being more accepting• Respecting differences• Doing random acts of kindness for others

A listening ear…

• Have you ever heard this saying?

Time to Reflect… and share!What do you think this saying means? “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

Why do you think it is difficult to listen sometimes?

Did you know listening is one of the most important communication skills you will use in ALL of your relationships in life?

Talking vs. Listening…

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 1. A good listener is attentive. They make good eye contact

(depending on the culture. Some cultures see eye contact as a sign of disrespect), don’t interrupt what the other person is saying and show an interest in what is being communicated. There’s always something incredible you can hear in anyone’s story.

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 2. A good listener does not look over the shoulder of the person

that’s speaking, waiting for someone more interesting to come along.

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 3. A good listener does not check their phone or tablet in the

middle of a conversation, when someone is sharing with them.

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 4. A good listener is not waiting for their chance to get a word in,

treating the ‘period of listening’ as a pause in their ‘monologue.’ Being so focused on trying to get ones view over is insensitive and misses the real value in the conversation.

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 5. A good listener uses positive body language; leaning forward

and showing an enthusiastic, relaxed nature. They don’t fidget, cross arms, look elsewhere or express inappropriate shock or disbelief at what’s shared.

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 6. A good listener cares. They show empathy for what the other

person has to say. It’s genuine, authentic and comes from a place of truthful concern.

Skills to improve your listening skills…• 7. A good listener knows how to treat what is shared with confidentiality.

They are trustworthy and sensitive with information and never look to use anything that is shared for any purpose other then good.

• Adapted from: http://calebstorkey.com/listening-skills-11-steps-to-become-a-good-listener/

Remember to listen to others to show kindness & respect…