Teaching Kids How To Listen For Form

Submitted by Judy Schneider, Kettering, Ohio

Idea posted July 2, 2002

• Try STARTING with the movement or a visual. One thing for the A, another for the B.
• Tell them in advance how many different parts they are listening for.
• Teach the themes involved before they hear the longer work.
• Use a listening map.
• Give them each two colored pieces of construction paper to hold up - one for the A theme and the other for the B. They will take their cues from each other (and you).

I find form is a nebulous area for kids to figure out just from listening. They have to be actively involved somehow - and even then lots of them struggle.

Good luck.