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Listening Power

Listening is a skill. By practicing listening, you gain knowledge. You get to know others. You show care and respect others. Boosting listening skills makes friendships and relationships better.

Listening well takes time, practice and effort. New skills may seem strange and awkward at first. Stick with them until they feel more natural to you.

Listening is more than hearing. Hearing is the process of sending sound waves to the brain. Listening is showing that we understand what is actually said. When you listen, it should show in your eyes, face and body. You can say, “yes” or nod. Your body can send messages, too. Are you fidgeting? Rolling your eyes? Are you showing that you are really listening?

Effective listening does not mean you agree. Sometimes, you don’t like what the other person is saying. Try to understand the message. Ask questions to check the correct meaning. Even if you don’t agree with the speaker, don’t cut them off. Let them express themselves.

Listening Power

Let’s Talk About It

  • Which listener did you like best? Why?
  • How does looking at a person or smiling when they are speaking help us understand them?
  • How do you feel when you are being heard and really listened to?
  • How would you describe a person who is a good listener?

Listening well takes time, practice and effort. New skills may seem strange and awkward at first. Stick with them until they feel more natural to you.

  • Make eye contact, smile and nod to encourage the speaker.
  • Don’t interrupt the speaker.
  • Be respectful even if you do not agree with the speaker.
  • Ask questions to be sure you understand the speaker.
  • Repeat or rephrase what the speaker said.

Make it a goal to practice listening in order to boost your relationships with others.

Noisy Crunchy Snack Mix

This month is about being a good listener and we have a Noisy Crunchy Snack Mix recipe for you to try at home.

Activity Supplies

Here’s what you will need to join the circle of friends:

  • Large Bowl
  • Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring Cups
  • Two cups each of a variety of crunchy ready-to-eat cereals (low sugar)
  • One cup of dry roasted, unsalted peanuts (or soy nuts if there are peanut allergies)
  • One cup of dried fruit (your choice)

Activity Steps

  1. Put two cups of each type of cereal into a large bowl.
  2. Add one cup of dry roasted, unsalted peanuts.
  3. Finally, add one cup dried fruit of your choice.
  4. Stir your ingredients up to form your Noisy Crunchy Snack Mix.
  5. Enjoy your snack but be quiet. Listen to all of the munching and crunching for at least 60 seconds.
  6. What did it sound like to you?

Submit Your Activity

cartoon kid with an apple, carrot, bicycle, water bottle, soccer ball, tooth, toothbrush, flying WV, and 4-H Clover

With the help from a parent or guardian, tell us about what you think about listening power and the examples that the Health Officers shared. To receive a sticker this month, you only need to complete the questions. The recipe is optional.

All West Virginia youth of 4-H age* who answer the Listening Power questions will receive a 1.5" square vinyl 4-H sticker (while supplies last). There will be six activities in total, so make sure to collect all of the stickers!

The random prize winner was Isabella from Fayette County. She received $25 in Shop4H merchandise.

*Participants must have turned five years old by June 30, 2021 and have not yet turned 22 years old.

The 2021 State 4-H Health Officer program and activities are funded by the William Lewis and Marie L. Campbell 4-H Fund.

Learn more about the 2021 West Virginia 4-H Health Officer topic - Healthy Relationships.