Counselora · Classroom lesson
Listening before offering advice
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Check what someone means before offering help.
Materials
The student page below and a pencil.
Opening question · 3 minutes
“What could the listener say before giving advice?”
A school situation · 5 minutes
Sam says, 'Our project group changed the slides while I was absent. Now I do not know what I am supposed to present.' Lee immediately replies, 'Just stop worrying and do the last slide.' Sam has not finished explaining the problem.
One possible response · 4 minutes
“Your part changed while you were away. Is that the problem you want help with?”
Practice · 10 minutes
What could the listener say before giving advice?
1. A friend says a project direction is confusing. Their partner immediately gives three tips.
2. A student says a club meeting changed time. A friend assumes they want to quit.
Possible answers
1. “Which part is confusing? Would you like me to listen first?”
2. “Are you asking about the new time or something else?”
Student page · 5 minutes
Use the ready-to-print student page at the end of this lesson. Students may write, draw, or give an answer aloud.
Exit question · 3 minutes
“Choose one of the stories. What could the student say or do first?”
Student page to print
Listening before offering advice
Write, draw, or say your answer. You may pass.
An example
Sam says, 'Our project group changed the slides while I was absent. Now I do not know what I am supposed to present.' Lee immediately replies, 'Just stop worrying and do the last slide.' Sam has not finished explaining the problem.
What could the listener say before giving advice?
One possible response: “Your part changed while you were away. Is that the problem you want help with?”
1. A friend says a project direction is confusing. Their partner immediately gives three tips.
What could the listener say before giving advice?
2. A student says a club meeting changed time. A friend assumes they want to quit.
What could the listener say before giving advice?
One sentence to keep
Choose one story above. Write the first thing the person could say or do.