This social story is used to show children how to listen to others. It is one example of Show Aroha - Listen To Others. The story shows listening (really listening, not just hearing) requires the listener to actively do things.

At School

Be still and keep eye contact - At Wairakei we teach children that often the listener has to stop what the are doing and look at the speaker.

Think quietly while the speaker finishes their sentences - This is thinking about what is being said. The part about finishing sentences is about comments, questions or replies needing to be held back until the speaker has finished. 

Ask a question if you are not sure - If there is something the listener is unsure of they need to ask a question. It might be needing something repeated, or clarified or restated. 

Show interest - smile at the right time, make quick comments too - We teach this so that the speaker knows they are being listened to. A friendly smile or laugh at the right time is important. So too are quick comments like great and yes and no way. These actions and quick phrases let the speaker know that their words are being listened to.  

Remember that your feelings and ideas are allowed to be different - This is particularly important in a school setting. Assuming what was said was fair and acceptable, doesn't mean it's law. A good example of this is the speaker talking about what the playtime game is going to be. The listener may use great listening skills, but not be interested in the game. Neither the speaker or the listener are wrong. Having different ideas or thoughts should not be reason for a problem arising. 

At Home

This social story can be used at home with supporting the way a child is listening to an adult. As the listening skills are best used all together, each element would be required in a home setting. That is, expect the child to be still, look, perhaps reply once the sentences are finished and offer smiles or quick comments to indicate they are listening.  

In general, We ARE Wairakei social stories illustrate positive behaviours that can be actively done. Therefore children can be spotted doing the positive behaviour. Therefore they can be praised and acknowledged for doing the positive behaviour. Although they are written with school in mind, the content is very easily reused or adapted for the home.

The best behavioural changes come from adults promoting positive behaviours that can be observed and praised. Tell a child the positive thing you need to see, praise and acknowledge when you see them doing it.