Active Listening Skills Practice Game
Practice the skills of active listening — paraphrasing, asking questions, and reflecting — through structured partner exercises.
What You'll Need
- 1Timer
What You'll Need
A timer (phone works fine)
How to Play
Pair up. One person is the Speaker, the other is the Listener.
The Speaker talks for 2 minutes about something they genuinely care about.
The Listener's ONLY job: make eye contact, nod, and listen. No interrupting, no advice, no "me too."
When the timer goes off, the Listener paraphrases: "So what I heard you say is..."
The Speaker confirms or gently corrects: "Yes, exactly" or "Not quite — I meant this."
The Listener asks one thoughtful follow-up question based on what they heard.
Switch roles. Afterward, discuss: "How did it feel to really be listened to without interruption?"
Why It Works
Most people don't listen to understand — they listen to respond. This exercise breaks that pattern by making listening the entire point. When the Listener has to paraphrase afterward, they can't zone out or plan their reply. They have to actually absorb what the Speaker is saying. The paraphrasing step teaches a critical social skill: confirming understanding before reacting. And the follow-up question shows the Speaker that they were truly heard. Most kids (and adults) are astonished by how good it feels to be genuinely listened to.
Tips
Two minutes of pure listening is harder than it sounds. Start with 1 minute for younger kids.
The "no interrupting" rule is the hardest part. Practice it explicitly.
Model imperfect paraphrasing: "I think you said... did I get that right?" Accuracy improves with practice.
Use this before difficult conversations: "Let me listen first, then I'll share my thoughts."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: timer.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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