Big Ear Contest

I recently got an e-mail from someone frustrated that her students didn't understand the importance of listening.  Of all the many discoveries that Dr. Suzuki made about young children learning to play an instrument LISTENING is one of the big ones.  I recently found this blog with a great little article on listening.  I've seen the benefits firsthand with myself and my own children.  How can a child learn well WITHOUT listening?

So....here was my reply.

I've always wanted to do this, but haven't - lack of time, I guess (isn't that always the excuse these days!)  Anyway, I was thinking of having a "Big Ear" contest.  I have a chart on my website for this.  A student would mark an ear for every hour they listened.  There could be some sort of time requirement (1 month - or something like that) and everyone who finished the chart in that period of time would be the winner.  You could have some sort of award for the winners.  One award I've thought of for some of my students who accomplish big tasks is earbuds.  Here is the link to the page with the Big Ear chart.  

Hope this helps!