In a conversation with school staff, you can show you’re listening by restating or summarizing what you heard. This helps you confirm that you understand what’s been said. It also helps others feel that they’ve been heard or allows them to clarify misunderstandings.
Example
The school psychologist has called in Carrie’s mom to talk about the fact that Carrie’s behavior in PE is causing concerns about Carrie’s safety. Carrie is in the Special Education classroom except when she goes to music and PE.
Carrie’s mom checked her understanding, but she did not create respect or show she was listening. The words she used were fine, but her tone of voice was negative and she interrupted. She did not demonstrate openness and respect. She also did not show she was listening because she crossed her arms.
In this version, Carrie’s mom uses the exact words she spoke in the previous scene; however, her body language and tone of voice have changed. Here, she looks and sounds respectful and open. She is actively listening.