Listening Circle Check-In

Supports this milestone

• attends to communication and language from others. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

• A soft "talking object" to pass, such as a small stuffed animal
• Optional picture cards showing listening signals, such as eyes, ears, and a nod

Steps

• Introduce the talking object and explain that the person holding it is the speaker.
• Invite the speaker to share one thing about their day in a sentence or two.
• Ask the listeners to show they are tuned in by looking, nodding, or signing.
• After each share, invite one listener to acknowledge with a comment or a related question.
• Pass the object around so every child has a turn to speak and to listen.

Variations

• Use a theme for sharing, such as "something that made you laugh."
• Lengthen the conversation by inviting two follow-up questions per speaker.

Differentiation

• Offer a sentence starter, such as "Today I..." for children who need a model.
• Let children share through signs, AAC, or a drawing.

Accessibility

• Seat children so everyone can see faces and hands; reduce background noise.
• Honor sharing and acknowledgment in a child's home language.

Safety

• Keep shares voluntary and respect a child's choice to pass.

Practices these skills

• Attends to Conversations

Evidence

• Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services