Creating a Good Listener with Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

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Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker is a wonderful picture book with a meaningful lesson. Students will learn just how important it is to be a good listener and how to have good listening skills. Add this engaging picture book to your back to school reads.

Good Listeners: Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

Picture books are fantastic tools for teaching young children important social-emotional skills, such as respecting others, communicating thoughtfully, and self-regulating their own behavior.

These engaging stories help children develop empathy, self-awareness, and, most importantly, the ability to navigate relationships with kindness. One perfect example is Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne Jones, a delightful book that provides a fun and relatable way for kids to understand the importance of listening and when to talk.

What is Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker About?

Lacey Walker loves to talk—non-stop! Lacey is chatting away from the moment she wakes up until she goes to bed. But when she loses her voice, she’s forced to do something she doesn’t usually do: listen. As she watches what happens when she finally stops talking, Lacey realizes that she’s missed out on a lot by not focusing on the people around her.

How Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker, Helps Teach Respectful Listening

Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker gives teachers a fantastic opportunity to teach kids about the value of listening and being good listeners. Through Lacey’s experience, kids see firsthand why listening is essential, especially when learning and building friendships.

Lacey learns that listening allows her to understand what’s happening around her and participate in meaningful conversations. This story opens the door for teaching kids about “whole-body listening,” a concept that helps them understand the physical and mental aspects of being a respectful listener—watching with your eyes, staying still with your body, and thinking with your brain.

Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker Lesson Plans

This picture book can be used in many ways to make learning about these skills a fun and engaging experience, blending its beautiful story with practical techniques.

Here’s a quick outline for a lesson that can be used alongside Lacey Walker, Non-Stop Talker, to reinforce respectful listening.

Book Discussion

Before diving into the story, ask students when they think it’s important to talk and when it’s important to listen. Jot down their ideas to set the stage for a discussion on how to balance speaking and listening.

As you read, pause at key moments where Lacey talks when she should be listening. Ask the kids what might happen if she continues this behavior and what she might miss out on by not listening. Try using some questions and talking points from the book chats.

lacey walker, nonstop talker owl good listener book chat cards

After the story, have a group discussion about how they listened to understand and enjoy the story. Introduce the concept of “whole-body listening,” explaining that listening isn’t just with your ears—it’s about using your entire body to stay focused and engaged. Point out how Lacey learns to listen with her ears and by being attentive and thoughtful.

Anchor Chart: “A Good Listener”

Create an anchor chart that breaks down what makes a good listener. Brainstorm with the class what a good listener *IS* (e.g., thoughtful, calm), *CAN* (e.g., raise their hand before speaking, pay attention), and *HAS* (e.g., calm body, looking eyes, ears open). Use this as a visual reminder of what it means to be a respectful listener.

lacey walker, nonstop talker owl good listener sign and book

Writing Prompt

After discussing the story, ask students to complete the writing prompt “3 Ways to Be a Good Listener” or “Owl listen when…” using Lacey’s story as inspiration. This will help them apply what they’ve learned in a creative way.

Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker Book Companion Activities

To reinforce the lessons from Lacey Walker, Non-Stop Talker, these engaging activities can further drive home the importance of being a good listener:

Owl Craft & Writing Prompt

After discussing the traits of a good listening, students can make an owl craft and complete a writing prompt like “Owl Listen When…” This fun, hands-on activity allows them to reflect on improving their listening skills.

lacey walker, nonstop talker owl good listener craft

“Listen to Me” Board Game

This simple board game encourages kids to practice listening in a playful setting. They take turns either speaking or listening, helping them understand the give-and-take nature of conversations.

good listener game for lacey walker nonstop talker

Talk or Listen Sorting Activity

This book companion activity involves sorting different scenarios into categories where talking is appropriate versus situations where listening is important. It’s a great way for students to think critically about their actions and consider when to prioritize listening over talking.

lacey walker, nonstop talker owl good listener listen and talk sorting activity

Listening Journal

Encourage students to keep a “listening journal,” where they reflect on times they practiced being a good listener. This reinforces the lesson and helps them develop the habit of mindful listening.

lacey walker, nonstop talker owl good listener journal

Good Manners & Respectful Book Companions

It’s always a great idea to include multiple books to show students that good manners are a skill they will use daily. I’ve created more book companions for some of my favorite good manners and respectful books.

Do Unto Otters

“Do Unto Otters” by Laurie Keller is a playful children’s book that teaches valuable lessons on kindness and respect through the humorous interactions between Mr. Rabbit and his new otter neighbors. The book emphasizes the importance of the Golden Rule, encouraging readers to treat others as they would like to be treated. With lively illustrations and simple dialogue, it helps young readers understand the essentials of good manners and how to build positive relationships.

Respect and Taking Care of Things

“Respect and Take Care of Things” by Cheri J. Meiners teaches children the importance of being responsible and caring for their belongings. The book uses simple language and engaging illustrations to show young readers how respecting property helps maintain a harmonious environment. With practical examples, it’s a great tool for parents and teachers to encourage mindfulness and consideration in everyday life.

Ruthie and the (Not so) Little Lie

“Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie” by Laura Rankin tells the story of a young girl who finds a tiny camera and claims it despite knowing it isn’t hers. The guilt of her lie grows, making her realize that honesty is far more important than keeping the camera. This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children the value of telling the truth, even when it’s hard.

Don’t Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales

“Don’t Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal” by Jeanie Franz Ransom is a fun and engaging picture book that helps kids understand the difference between tattling and seeking help when it’s truly needed. With colorful illustrations and relatable scenarios, it teaches young readers the value of problem-solving and when to speak up. This book is perfect for parents and teachers aiming to foster a positive classroom or home environment where children learn to manage conflicts independently.

Resources to Help You Teach Good Manners & Respect

Book Companions

The Lacey Walker Non-Stop Talker Book Companion is a fantastic resource that helps students understand the importance of being a good listener and provides practical strategies for practicing whole-body listening. It encourages kids to reflect on when listening is essential and how listening can improve their interactions with others.

Plenty of other fantastic Book Companions focus on good manners and respect. Each helps students develop critical social skills like self-management, respect, and active listening. Through these book companions, students will engage in meaningful discussions, share their thoughts through writing, and participate in fun activities that promote emotional awareness and respectful behavior.

All in all, if you like this resource, you’ll love my SEL Book Companion Bundle. It includes over 40 books focusing on growth mindset, kindness, feelings, and MORE!