Active listening games
Active listening games are interactive activities designed to enhance and practice listening skills. These games are not only fun but also help participants become better listeners by improving their focus and attention to what is being said.
Here are some examples for active listening games:
“Simon Says”:
This classic game is a great way to practice active listening. Choose one student to be the leader (Simon) and give them instructions starting with “Simon says.” For example, “Simon says touch your nose.” The other students must listen carefully and only follow the instructions when “Simon says” is used. If Simon gives an instruction without saying “Simon says,” students should not follow it. The last student remaining following all the correct instructions becomes the next Simon.
“Listen and Draw”:
In this game, students pair up and sit back-to-back. One student is the “speaker” and the other is the “drawer.” The speaker describes a simple image or object to the drawer, who listens carefully and tries to draw what they hear. After a set amount of time, the pairs compare the original image or object with the drawing. This game encourages students to listen attentively and communicate their ideas effectively.
“Mirror mirror”:
Have the participants pair up, with one person being the “Speaker” and the other the “Listener.”
The Speaker selects a simple object (e.g., a pencil, a toy, or a piece of fruit) without revealing it to the Listener. The Speaker’s task is to describe the object in detail to the Listener. However, there’s a catch – they should only provide oral descriptions, without showing or naming the object.
The Listener’s role is to actively listen and try to visualize the object based solely on the Speaker’s descriptions. They should ask questions for clarification if needed but should not guess the object until the Speaker is finished. After a set amount of time (e.g., 3-5 minutes), switch roles, and have the Listener become the Speaker with a new object.
“Storytelling Relay”:
Participants sit in a circle, and the first person begins a story with a single sentence.
The next person continues the story with another sentence.
Each person adds a sentence, but they must actively listen to what was said before to ensure the story flows logically.
“What’s Missing?”:
Display a group of objects or images for a short period.
Cover the objects or remove them, and participants take turns describing what they remember, listening carefully to others’ descriptions.
“Drawing by Description”:
One person describes a simple picture to the group without showing it.
The others listen and attempt to draw the picture based on the description.
“Telephone Game”:
Sit participants in a circle and give a message or sentence to the first person.
They whisper it to the next person, who whispers it to the next, and so on.
The last person says the message out loud, and everyone compares it to the original to see how well it was conveyed.
These active listening games are not only enjoyable but also serve as valuable tools for improving communication, attention to detail, and the ability to process and understand spoken information. They can be used in educational settings, team-building activities, or as fun exercises to enhance listening skills.
