Active listening is a crucial skill that everyone can benefit from, including children. It is a major vehicle for learning
and one of the basic building blocks of language and communication, particularly in the early years. It is important
for children to develop this skill at an early age, because good listeners grow up to become good communicators.
Active listening is making a conscious effort to hear not only the words being said, but more importantly, the
complete message being communicated. It involves a complete focus on the speaker with minimal distractions, done
out of respect and an intent to learn. In the Montessori classroom, one example of active listening would be children
waiting for their turn and considering what their peers have to say before stating their opinion in a classroom
discussion.
