Listening Activity

Listening and Language Games

Hidden Meaning

Begin by saying you are going to play a game where they try to guess if you are telling the truth. Explain you might try to trick them, so they need to listen carefully not only to your words but also to your tone, facial expression, and body language. Draw upon your acting skills to make this fun. Below is an example.

Amy: “Hi Sadie. I heard you got the new video game everyone wants.”

Sadie: “Yeah, my dad ordered it online months ago so I would be one of the first kids to have it.”

Amy: “Wow! You are so lucky to have such a nice dad. I wish my dad was as nice as yours.”

Amy: “I love your hair. I wish my hair was as curly as yours.”

Sadie: “Thanks.”

Amy: “I love your green boots, too. That green is my favorite color. What color is your room?”

Sadie: “Purple and yellow.”

Amy: “I love those colors too. Maybe I can come over and see your room sometime and we can play your video game?”

Conversation Starter – Ask these questions:

★ Do you think Sadie should let Amy come over to play her new video game?

★ How would you know if Amy’s favorite color is green?

★ Do you think Amy really likes Sadie or does she just want to know her so she can play the new video game?

The important underlying question derived from the above example is how can you tell if someone means what they say or has an ulterior motive?