Teaching Suicide Awareness and Prevention 2019

SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MODULE 2018
LESSON 4: DEVELOPING ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS
Perhaps the most serious crisis facing modern humanity is isolation. Invisible walls isolate
instead of protect. We call ours the great age of communication with a vast technical array of
devices to speed our messages along. We are so busy talking at each other that we don't know
what it is to talk with each other or to listen, really listen, to each other.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Students will be able to define and describe the term "listen"
2. Students will demonstrate and practice Active Listening and reporting skills through their use
and in role playing, in order to be able to apply these skills in real life situations.
3. Students will be able to critique the characters of Jen and Anne and discuss how specific
statements and techniques were helpful.
TIME REQUIREMENT:
1. One's entire lifetime
2. One class period (minimum)
MATERIALS:
1. Handout 5 "Characteristics of an Active Listener"
2. Handout 6 "Listening"
3. Role Play 1 "Samantha and Mary Role Play"
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TEACHER:
1. The teacher should prepare copies of Handout 5 ("Characteristics of an Active Listener") and
distribute a copy to each student.
2. The teacher should initiate discussion about each of the characteristics.
3. The teacher should prepare and distribute copies of Handout 6 ("Listening").
4. The teacher should select two students and provide them with copies of the"Samantha and
Mary Role Play".
5. The teacher could have students write a script as a class activity, dramatising the use of Active
Listening skills in a fictional situation.
6. The two students, after first looking over the role play, should read their parts aloud,
articulately and with feeling.
7. After reading of the role play, the teacher should initiate discussion about how Samantha
actively listens to Mary.
8. Questions like the following might be asked:
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Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland Publications Limited