It's Time to Revise the Traditional "Whole Body Listening" Model
Goodbye traditional “Whole Body Listening.” Some kids learn best while moving. Hello IEP that specifies that the student is allowed to move. My post on social media about Whole Body Listening has been my most shared by far. It’s clear people are ready for something else. Here I’m sharing (a recolored version of) the original and a couple of other versions I have sent to teachers from Alabama, to New York, to New Zealand so they can use this in their classrooms. If you’d like a copy of the pdf, email me.
Here’s the truth: the “Whole Body Listening” model that tries to teach all kids to listen like neurotypical kids (or at least the way neurotypical adults want kids to listen) is outdated. Eyes on the Speaker. Hands and feet still. Legs criss-crossed. Body still and facing the speaker… Many people just don’t focus well sitting still and making eye contact.
I am a doodler, note taker, and fidgeter myself. I keep a paper clip, two bobby pins, or a bobby pin stuck onto a quarter in my pocket sometimes. I listen better when I can move. Lots of kids do too.
Students may need a place to walk in the classroom, a place to stand away from their desk, a fidget (or a choice of fidgets, including things made as fidgets and things the kid chooses, which may or may not count as a “fidget” to the grown ups… ya know, like a bobby pin stuck on a quarter), alternative seating, permission to close their eyes while listening, and the list goes on.
Teachers, when you have a student who “won’t listen” or “won’t sit on the carpet for circle time” or “is always disruptive during lectures,” shift your focus away from teaching them how to appear to be engaged. Work to figure out what could help that child access your lessons. If “Whole Body Listening” is your focus, that’s their focus too. Is that where you want their focus to be? No.
So, support the student in figuring out how they listen best. Put it in the IEP. Keep options open because what helps a student listen may change day-to-day. But, put it in the IEP.
Do you need help with your child’s IEP? Reach out for a consultation.



Could I get a copy please? I love this!!!
Just sent you an email! Thanks!
Would love a copy please!
Just sent to you. Thanks!
Could you please send me a copy when you have time ? Many thanks
Just sent you a copy. Thank you!
I would love to get a PDF copy please if possible?
Thanks so much
Sent you an email with the pdf attached! Thank you!
Hate to be that person, but this is great. Can I have a copy too?
Thank you.
Just sent it to you. Thank you!
Could i please get a copy of this to show my child’s teacher🤞🏼
Just sent you an email with the pdf!
Hi, this is great! Anyway I can get a pdf version of this?
Certainly! Just emailed it to you!
Can I get a copy of this, please?
Just sent them to you. Thanks!
Could you send that to me as well please
Just sent them your way!
I would love a copy of this graphic to share at at my school. Thank you!
Just sent the PDFs your way!
Could I get a copy of this please? This is amazing!
Just sent! Thank you!
Could I have a copy of this? Thank you!
Certainly! Just sent it to you.
very interesting concept, could you please send me a copy of the pdf
Just sent you the PDFs.
Hi, I’d love a copy if possible please.
Thank you, Dawn
Just sent!
Hi! 🙂 May I have a copy of this please? I love the language that is paired with the visual.
Just emailed it to you!
This is great! Please send me a PDF. Thanks!
Just sent to you. Thanks!