Remind the group about some of the stories shared in the previous activity on being listened to. Highlight the ways that people felt when they were listened to. Explain that now they are going to learn how to engage in active listening. Say, active listening involves:

• Being attentive, facing the speaker (and making eye contact if this is appropriate);
• Repeating and summarizing what people tell you;
• Reflecting people’s feelings;
• Not making judgments

Ask the group to stand up and form a circle. You will need a ball that can be thrown across the circle. The facilitator should also join the circle. The facilitator starts by saying a short sentence that the participants listen to. For example, ‘Sometimes, people say really horrible things about me.’ The participants might respond by saying, ‘Nobody likes it when other people say horrible things about you.’ or ‘You would feel sad when the other kids say horrible things to you.’ Do this a few times until the group understands the exercise well.

Now, all the participants will get involved. The first person will tell the group something they are worried about (for example, ‘I’m a little worried I don’t understand this game’ or ‘I’m worried about my Dad when he works so late’), then they will throw the ball to the second person. The second person will reflect the content and feeling of the first person before making their own statement and throwing the ball to another person. Depending on the size of the group you can do this for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Before finishing the session say that active listening is listening with our ears, eyes and heart. Sincere listening is being non-judgmental, open and being able to reflect the content and feelings of the speaker.