Listening Leaf Transition Cue

Use this when the class needs a calm, repeated cue for stopping, listening, and moving on. It works best when the same words and gesture are used every time.

The Listening Leaf should feel like a classroom ritual, not a warning.

Teacher Script

“The Listening Leaf is here.”

“Hands stop. Feet steady. One soft breath. Now we listen.”

“We are getting ready enough. We do not need to be perfect.”

Child Prompt

“My body can get ready enough.”

Steps

1. Hold up or point to the Listening Leaf visual.
2. Say the cue slowly, with a calm voice.
3. Model still hands, steady feet, and one soft breath.
4. Pause for the class to copy.
5. Give the next instruction in as few words as possible.
6. Notice the effort: “I saw bodies getting ready.”

Printable Copy

Listening Leaf:

1. Stop your hands.
2. Feel your feet.
3. Take one soft breath.
4. Look or listen.
5. Move gently.

Provision Link

Place a Listening Leaf visual at:

• carpet area
• lining-up spot
• cloakroom
• snack table
• calm corner

Family Bridge

Ask your child to show you the Listening Leaf steps.

Observation Look-Fors

• child responds to visual cue
• child copies one step with adult modelling
• child begins to transition with less adult prompting
• child uses body language linked to readiness