Read a variety of books to the children out loud. First graders typically enjoy listening to the stories. Incorporate a task, such as the children raising their hands, when you read a certain word. That will help them listen for that word and let you know they are paying attention. In addition to learning listening skills, reading stories out loud can help foster the first graders' reading comprehension and instill positive feelings about reading. Discuss the stories before and after the book to test their listening and comprehension skills.
Classic games, such as "telephone" or "Simon says," employ the children's listening skills. With a few rounds of "telephone," the first graders can learn the importance of good speaking and listening skills. "Simon says" will test the children's listening skills while giving them an outlet to be silly and active. Ask the first graders to close their eyes and just listen. Employ different children to make a variety of sounds, such as dropping an eraser or clicking a pen, and let the other children try to determine what the sound is and where it's coming from. You can do this as a one-on-one task with a first grader as well. If you want a change of scenery, go for a walk and try to identify different animal, people and traffic sounds.
Role play with the children, or split them up into groups. The children can listen to each other tell stories, then act out the story for the rest of the class. Alternatively, one child can tell a story, then ask the next child to repeat the story. Then that child can tell a story, with the next student repeating her story until the entire class has had a turn.
Talk to the first graders about body language and how to effectively -- and politely -- listen to someone. Act out different scenarios while the children are telling stories to showcase good listening skills -- making eye contact, sitting still or taking notes -- and bad listening skills, such as fidgeting or staring off into space.