The Listening Checklist From "When Listening Comes Alive,"
by Paul Madaule, Moulin Publishing, 1994
We cannot "see" listening; the only way to "get at it" is indirectly—through skills that are related to it in one way or another. This checklist offers a catalogue of such skills, and will enable you to assess yourself, your child or your students with respect to listening. There is no "score;" simply check as many boxes as you feel are appropriate.
Developmental history
This knowledge is extremely important in early identification and prevention of listening problems. It also sheds light on the possible causes.
A stressful pregnancy
Difficult birth
Adoption
Early separation from the mother
Delay in motor development
Delay in language development
Recurring ear infections
Receptive listening
This is the listening that is directed outward. It keeps us attuned to the world around us, to what's going on at home, at work or in the classroom.
Short attention span
Distractibility
Oversensitivity to sounds
Misinterpretation of questions
Confusion of similar-sounding words
Frequent need for repetition
Inability to follow sequential instructions
Expressive listening
This is the listening that is directed within. We use it to control our voice when we speak and sing.
Flat and monotonous voice
Hesitant speech
Weak vocabulary
Poor sentence structure
Overuse of stereotyped expressions
Inability to sing in tune
Confusion or reversal of letters
Poor reading comprehension
Poor reading aloud
Poor spelling
Motor skills
The ear of the body (the vestibule), which controls balance, coordination and body image, also needs close attention.
Poor posture
Fidgety behavior
Clumsy, uncoordinated movements
Poor sense of rhythm
Messy handwriting
Hard time with organization, structure
Confusion of left and right
Mixed dominance
Poor sports skills
The level of energy
The ear acts as a dynamo, providing us with the energy we need to survive and lead fulfilling lives.
Difficulty getting up
Tiredness at the end of the day
Habit of procrastinating
Hyperactivity
Tendency toward depression
Feeling overburdened with everyday tasks
Behavioral and social adjustment
A listening difficulty is often related to these:
Low tolerance for frustration
Poor self-confidence
Shyness
Difficulty making friends
Tendency to withdraw, avoid others
Irritability
Immaturity
Low motivation, no interest in school/work
Negative attitude toward school/work
If you checked more than five items in this list, we would love to hear
from you. There is an informational DVD that explains Tomatis-based SETI
sound therapy. Children and parents are pictured during sessions and give
testimonials of their success. Please click "Contact Us" below and let us know
how we can be of real help to your family.
