By experiencing what it feels like when someone speaks over them, children discover the importance of listening and waiting their turn.
It is an eye-opening way to build empathy, emotional awareness and respectful communication.
1. Set it up secretly
Before beginning, quietly choose three children to interrupt you on purpose during the activity.
Brief them privately so the interruptions seem spontaneous to the rest of the group.
2. Begin talking
Either start explaining a topic, telling a short story, or giving instructions to the group.
3. The interruptions
The first chosen child then interrupts you. Restart your explanation and the second child interrupts.
Restart again before the third child interrupts!
4. Pause and discuss
Ask the group:
This is a subtle but powerful exercise. It helps children experience firsthand how interruptions can disrupt communication and why patience is such an important life skill.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
