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.

1. __A stressful pregnancy
2. __Difficult birth
3. __Adoption
4. __Early separation from the mother
5. __Delay in motor development
6. __Delay in language development
7. __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.

1. __Short attention span
2. __Distractibility
3. __Oversensitivity to sounds
4. __Misinterpretation of questions
5. __Confusion of similar-sounding words
6. __Frequent need for repetition
7. __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.

1. __Flat and monotonous voice
2. __Hesitant speech
3. __Weak vocabulary
4. __Poor sentence structure
5. __Overuse of stereotyped expressions
6. __Inability to sing in tune
7. __Confusion or reversal of letters
8. __Poor reading comprehension
9. __Poor reading aloud
10. __Poor spelling

Motor skills
The ear of the body (the vestibule), which controls balance, coordination, and body image also needs close attention.

1. __Poor posture
2. __Fidgety behavior
3. __Clumsy, uncoordinated movements
4. __Poor sense of rhythm
5. __Messy handwriting
6. __Hard time with organization, structure
7. __Confusion of left and right
8. __Mixed dominance
9. __Poor sports skills

The level of energy
The ear acts as a dynamo (battery), providing us with the energy we need to survive and lead fulfilling lives.

1. __Difficulty getting up
2. __Tiredness at the end of the day
3. __Habit of procrastinating
4. __Hyperactivity
5. __Tendency toward depression
6. __Feeling overburdened with everyday tasks

Behavioral and social adjustment
A listening difficulty is often related to these:

1. __Low tolerance for frustration
2. __Poor self-confidence
3. __Shyness
4. __Difficulty making friends
5. __Tendency to withdraw, avoid others
6. __Irritability
7. __Immaturity
8. __Low motivation, no interest in school/work
9. __Negative attitude toward school/work

If you checked several items in this list, please click on "Contact Us." Find out how Center for Listening & Learning can help you or your child realize more of your potential.