Listening Lucy helps children discover that listening is more than just hearing words. Kids explore how paying attention, showing respect, and understanding others can strengthen friendships and improve communication.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I LISTEN to others.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Listening Lucy
Introduce Listening Lucy and explore the importance of listening to others and listening to ourselves.
Help children understand that listening is more than hearing words. It means giving someone our attention, trying to understand their feelings, and making space for what they have to say.
Lucy also reminds us that when we become quiet and calm, we can listen to our inner voice to help us make thoughtful choices.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Lucy's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I LISTEN to others.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words when someone is speaking, sharing a feeling, or telling a story.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Listening Lucy's 2 Types of Listening where children will see it often.
Explore Lucy's two important listening skills:
Listening to Others
Listen with your heart. Listen to understand.
Stop what you're doing when someone is speaking to you.
Remember that listening can be more helpful than immediately sharing your opinion.
Ask thoughtful questions that invite others to share their stories.
Listen for feelings, not just words.
Listening to Your Internal Voice
Take time to become quiet and calm.
Notice the thoughts and feelings within you.
Listen to the inner voice that can help you make good choices.
Invite children to practice both kinds of listening throughout the day.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Listening Lucy's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
Invite them to become quiet for a moment and notice what they hear around them and how they feel inside.
5. Read the Story
Bring Listening Lucy to life! Read her story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Lucy learns about listening to others and paying attention to her own inner voice.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Lucy's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to share a time someone really listened to them. How did it feel?
Talk about how listening carefully can help us understand others and build stronger connections.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Lucy's lesson.
You can also try a Listening With Your Heart activity.
Invite one person to share something about their day while the other listens without interrupting.
Afterward, encourage the listener to share what they heard and ask one thoughtful question.
Switch roles so everyone has a chance to speak and be heard.
8. Lights, Camera, Action! — Role-Play
Bring the lesson to life with role-playing!
Use the Powerful You laminated scenario cards or create your own everyday situations.
Invite children to practice listening when a friend shares a problem, when someone has a different opinion, or when a family member needs their attention.
Practice stopping, listening for feelings, and asking thoughtful questions before responding.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
