SEL · Grades 1–6

Active Listening Builder for Kids

Practise listening with attention, asking helpful questions, and showing that you heard someone. Put it on the classroom board and start playing now.

Active Listening BuilderNo sign-up · Smartboard-ready
Teacher setup

Choose what your class will practise.

Practise listening with attention, questions, and summaries. 4 activities

Use this setup on another device

Download a setup file, then load that same file on another computer. You do not need to open or edit the file.

How to play Active Listening Builder

  1. Read the conversation moment.
  2. Choose a listening move that would help.
  3. Practise saying the response aloud with a partner.

Learning goal

Use attentive body language, turn-taking, clarifying questions, and summaries to communicate clearly.

Classroom setup

Plan about 5–12 min for this activity. It works best with pairs or whole class, with the game displayed where every learner can see the prompts. Before the first turn, review the controls and tell students how they should respond while another player is at the board. Listen for evidence of active listening and communication and turn-taking as students explain their choices.

Teacher tips

  • Do not require eye contact; offer comfortable ways to show attention.
  • Praise accurate listening more than fast answers.
  • Use “might” when interpreting another person’s feelings.

Frequently asked questions

Is this classroom game free?

Yes. The complete game is free to play without creating a teacher or student account.

Does it work on a smartboard?

Yes. The game uses large controls designed for projectors, interactive whiteboards, tablets, and laptops.

Who is this game designed for?

This version is designed primarily for grades 1–6. Teachers can adjust turn-taking and verbal support for their group.