Have the child stand across the room and listen for the tick of a
watch which you hold in your hand. If he cannot hear the tick, advance
slowly toward him and keep track of the distance at which the child
first distinguishes the ticking. It will be interesting to test each
ear separately. Any physical defect in the child's hearing can be found
by this test. Encourage him to make a deliberate effort to hear the
watch. Do not be too hasty in moving towards him as he will have to
concentrate his attention before the tick can be heard. This exercise
is a good one for the development of attention. Practice with this
yourself. You will find as your attention wanders that you will lose
the consciousness of the ticking of the watch.