Grown-Up's Guide
Pip's Feelings Club · Episode 11: Listening Ears
"Listening ears on!"The words that start it
Give your friend time to finish.This is the only ask
Then ask about what they said."Was it a scary crab?"
The steps from the episode
"Listening ears on!" → give your friend time to finish → then ask about what they said. The only ask is waiting until the speaker has finished. There are no rules here about eye contact or keeping still: some children listen best while moving or looking away. In the episode Pip isn't being mean when she jumps in. She is excited. And if you forget and jump in, that's okay: say sorry, and put your listening ears back on.
Doing a sheet
Watch the episode together first: scan the code on Sheet 1, or visit pipsfeelingsclub.com. A calm 10 minutes, never as a consequence. You read the comic, your child does the pens. Play the game when nobody is cross: waiting practised as a game is waiting they can find at news time. Finish with a play card.
What to talk about
Sheet
Ask them
Do together
Listening Ears
"Why did Kip feel sad?"
"Was Pip being mean?"
"What did Pip ask about the crab?"
Play "Listening ears on!" with slow sentences. Swap who talks.
Wait, Then Ask
"What was Papa's story about?"
"When did Pip ask her question?"
"What could you ask about a story?"
At story time, save one question for the end of the page.
When they keep jumping in
1. A quiet reminder: "Listening ears on."
2. "Let them finish. Then it's your turn."
3. Give them their turn: "Now, your news?"
When they're bursting to talk
Their news feels urgent. That is excitement.
"I want to hear it. One moment."
Keep your own sentences short and fair.
Do it out loud yourself
"Oops, I jumped in. Sorry. Listening ears on."
Wait till they finish. Then ask one question.
Put your phone down for their news.
Catch them doing it well
"You waited till I finished!"
"Great question. You were listening."
"You jumped in, then you fixed it."
Try to avoid
"Look at me when I'm talking."
Insisting they sit still to listen.
Long speeches. Short ones are easier to wait for.
Every day (2 minutes)
At dinner: one piece of news each.
Everyone waits till the end, then asks one question.
A star each time they wait, then ask.