(upbeat music) I got a new dog.

I got a new dog too.

And his name .. His name is Leyland.

You're not listening to me.

You're not listening to me.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Freeze!

I can tell that these two friends are struggling to communicate with each other.

It looks like Annie had some really exciting news about a new puppy to share with Lottie, but Lottie was just wanting to talk about her own pet rather than listening.

I bet I can help these two figure out a way to take turns sharing and listening.

Whenever you're having a conversation, it's important to both listen and respond appropriately.

If you're talking over the other person, it could make them feel frustrated.

Just like Annie felt today.

I know it's hard sometimes to be a good listener, especially when you have something to share too.

There are times when someone says something to you and it triggers a memory in your mind.

This makes you want to blurt out your own thoughts just like Lottie was doing.

But it makes the other person who is talking feel like they just aren't being heard.

Just like in this scenario.

So we're going to try it again.

This time, I want Lottie to hold her thoughts until Annie is finished sharing.

Then I want her to think about what Annie shared in response to Annie's news.

Once she has allowed Annie to share her news, then she can share about her own pet.

We're going to try it again and see if it goes better this time.

Lottie, I got a new dog.

That's exciting.

What's his name?

His name is Rocky.

That's a nice name.

I got a new dog, too.

What is his name?

We should get them together and have a play date sometime.

Yes.

Yay!

Now, see, if you take time to really listen and respond to others while taking turns speaking, you will be a much better communicator and friend.

I want you to try this at home.

The next time you sit down and have a conversation with a family member or a friend, I want you to pause your own brain and listen to what the other person is saying first.

Give that person time to get their ideas out.

Think about what they said to you.

Then you can respond.

Just like we saw with Annie and Lottie here.

Lottie was thinking about her own dog, and Annie got really frustrated because she felt like she wasn't being heard.

Once Lottie took a pause back and allowed Annie to speak, then you can see that Annie felt much better about sharing about her own pet.

And I think these two girls are going to have a really fun playdate with their dogs.

Or at least I hope they are.

Well, I appreciate you joining me, my friends Annie and Lottie here on Rise and Shine, and I hope you'll come back again for some more fun and learning with us.

(upbeat music) More ways to show off what we know.

Let's show 'em!

Science and reading skills, math and art, color wheels.

Let's go to class, it's a blast.

You're a great student so we know that you can do it!

Rise and shine!

Get up off your feet.

Ah, ooo, ooo.

It's time to rise and shine!