Classroom Survival Skills

Classroom:
Do you ever feel frustrated about students not listening, or at least appearing not to be? You’re talking to them about the class assignment, but they're looking everywhere else instead of looking at you. They claim to have heard you, but their body language and their actions do not tell the whole story. Here are some steps to do in teaching students listening skills.

For teaching students classroom survival skills, McGinnis & Goldstein (1997) wrote:

kid listening: LISTENING:

    1) Look at the person who is talking- Point out to students that sometimes others may think someone isn't listening, even though he/she has heard what was said.
    2) Sit Quietly- These steps are to show someone that you really are listening.
    3) Think about what is being said.- Tell students to sit (or stand) facing the person and remember not to laugh, fidget, play with something, and so on.
    4) Say yes or nod your head- Discuss with students that both verbal and nonverbal messages are important to show that a person is listening.
    5) Ask a question about the topic to find out more.- Discuss relevant question (i.e., ones that do not change the topic) (p. 91).

boy raising hand: ASKING FOR HELP:

    1) Ask yourself, "Can I do this alone?"- Students should be sure to read directions and try the task on their own (at least one problem or question) before going onto the next skill step.
    2) If not, raise your hand.- Discuss that this is appropriate in class, not at home or with friends.
    3) Wait. Say to yourself, "I know I can wait without talking." - Instruct the students to say this to themselves until the desired help is given.
    4) Ask for help in a friendly way.- Discuss what constitutes a friendly manner (tone of voice, facial expression, content) (p. 92).

following directions: FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

    1) Listen carefully to the instructions.- Remind students that they should think about what is being said.
    2) Ask questions about anything you don't understand.- Teach students Asking for Help or Asking a Question.
    3) Repeat the instructions to the person (or to yourself)- This step is necessary to be sure students clearly understand the directions.
    4) Follow the instructions (p.95).

desk: COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS:

    1) Ask yourself, "Is my work finished?"- Have students practice reviewing each item to be certain that all questions are answered.
    2) Look over each question to be sure- Remind students to fill in the missing answers if items aren't complete.
    3) When you are sure your work is finished, hand it in.- Specific classroom rules for handling in completed work can be included in this step.
    4) Say to yourself, "Good for me! I finished it!"- Discuss ways of rewarding yourself (p. 96).

goals: SETTING A GOAL:

    1) Decide on a goal you want to reach.- Discuss choosing a realistic goal (considering content, time frame).
    2) Decide on the steps you will need to take to get there.- It may be helpful to list these steps on a bulletin board, include them in a student folder, or write them on a card taped to student's desks.
    3) Take the first step.
    4) Take all other steps, one at a time.- Encourage students to mark off each step as it is achieved. (This also gives students practice in organization.)
    5) Reward yourself when your goal is reached.- Discuss ways of rewarding yourself (p.103).

REFERENCE: McGinnis, E. & Goldstein, A. (1997). Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child (Rev. ed.). Champaign, Il: Research Press.

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:

Listening to Others.

Fun activities to promote listening skills.

National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Other Cool Links

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child

Listen and Learn (Learning to Get Along, Book 2)

more links to books on classroom survival skills for kids.


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