Noticing the RESTS - My little secret to help students count

 My beginning students are just starting to read music and perform written notation on their instruments.  I have been noticing that many students ignore the rests because they are so focused on reading the notes.  Tomorrow, I will introduce my little bell to the class.  I will have students take turns being my soloist and will allow them....just this once....to ring the bell only the rests.  This little exercise brings students' attention to the rests so that they begin to count more accurately.