Listening and following instructions

Beth and Kim are sitting at a table together in a classroom, doing some arts and crafts. Kim is telling Beth a story but Beth is very visibly not listening. She’s looking at her picture.

NARRATOR: Beth and Kim are happy as can be, making some beautiful art. Kim is enjoying telling Beth a story about her trusty dog, Scruffles. Beth on the other hand isn’t listening…

KIM: And then Scruffles went into our neighbour’s house, and STOLE three pairs of socks! Dogs don’t even wear socks?!

As Kim finishes her sentence, she looks up at Beth. Beth is just humming away to herself.

KIM: Are you even listening Beth? I didn’t even see you looking at me when I was telling you my story.

BETH: Uhhh… Yeah! Sure I was.

Beth's eyes are wide.

KIM: Well then. What was I talking about?

BETH: You were talking about your… pet turtle?

Kim huffs and goes back to work. Jeanie walks over to them.

JEANIE: How are we getting on here girls?

KIM: Fine. Beth doesn’t listen to anything I say to her. She doesn’t care about me.

JEANIE: Is this true Beth? Why haven’t you been listening?

BETH: I don’t know. I was busy making my picture.

JEANIE: Well it’s important to listen to eachother - that way you’ll get to know your friends better. Then you’ll be able to ask questions too! Why don’t you ask Kim to tell you the story again and this time see if you can listen to her the whole way through.

BETH: Kim…? Would you tell me that story again and I promise I’ll listen this time? Pleaseeeeeeee.

Kim has a brief moment of looking unconvinced before lighting up enthusiastically.

KIM: Ok! So where was I… Ah yes. So my Dog Scrufles is a ’wee rascal’ as my mum calls him.

At this point we go through various points of the conversation. Kim is animatedly telling her story, and Beth intently listening. The story goes through an arc of laughs and sadness. Beth responds appropriately.

KIM: … and then he stole THREE pairs of my neighbours socks! Three!!..

At this point Beth laughs along.

KIM: … had to go to the vet. I was really scared…

Beth looks sad but supportive, patting Kim gently on the shoulder.

KIM: …yeah, he’s ok now. Maybe you could come round some time after school and meet him?

Beth looks really pleased at being asked this.

BETH: I’d love too!

The two girls smile and go back to work making their pictures.

NARRATOR: You see, if you listen to your friends, you’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have, and how many different things you’ll find out!

End.