For Parents
The following is a place to begin.
The Listening Checklist From "When Listening Comes Alive," by Paul Madaule, Moulin Publishing, 1994
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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
The mind and body are complex. Each one of us has individual needs and responses. There can be multiple causes for these condiitions. We provide SETI Sensory Integration Sound Programs with Sound Entrainment. This may be helpful in improving or reversing some of the conditions listed above.
If you want to know more, please Contact Us. We are available to listen and to give you information about our services that best applies to your situation.