Listen to Understand

Together with children, watch this video in which Elmo and Abby work through a disagreement by pausing to listen. For two friends with different ideas, it can be hard to share supplies! With the help of Ms. Jennifer’s calming presence, gentle observation, and open-ended questions, Elmo and Abby work together to create a structure anyone can enjoy. As you watch, you may invite children in your care to think of ways they can build AND decide together!

• Invite children to work in pairs or small groups to build with blocks, encouraging each child to share their ideas before building begins (“What do you want to make?”).
• Model taking a slow breath and say, “Let’s listen to understand,” before responding during a disagreement or choice-making moment.
• After one child shares an idea, ask another child to repeat or show what they heard using words or gestures (“You want it big,” “You want it tall”).

Being able to take a moment to hear what others want while expressing what children may need helps everyone feel understood and work as a team.