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Identify Sounds to Build Skills

We often think of our brains when we hear the phrase “cognitive development.” That type of growth comes about through various avenues. Kids gain knowledge and gather information about what’s going on around them in many ways. One way is through listening and processing sound.

When children take part in activities focused on pleasant sounds or even irritating noises, they move beyond just “having fun.” These experiences can sharpen their attention to details and strengthen auditory processing and auditory discrimination skills, which is the ability to distinguish and make meaning of sound. By recognizing sounds, we are able to make predictions about what is going on around us, and where the sounds are coming from. This is helpful in all areas of life, including school as children have to pay attention to what a teacher says while blocking out background noise in their environment.

Humans constantly hear things going on around them. The act of “tuning out” also takes place, as a way of controlling or limiting what we hear or give our attention. Planned activities for kids targeted at making sense of sounds are an important part of the cognitive learning process. Check out the following games and activities to share with your youngsters!

Strolling for Sounds

Take your kids for a walk … in the neighborhood, on a path at the park, or even around the yard. In a stroller, on a scooter, by the hand, or whatever works for you! The goal is to focus on sounds you and the children hear while outdoors. This might range from stopping to say, “What’s that funny sound?” for toddlers, to a more planned approach for older children.

For example, you could agree to a challenge of who hears the first bird, or how many barking dogs you and your child counted. An extension of this activity into the arts could be for your children to draw or paint a picture later at home of something that made an interesting noise during your stroll. They might also write about what they overheard in a “sounds journal.”

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Most parents have played “I Spy” at one time or another. What about a hearing version of that game? This can take place outdoors, inside the house, while waiting at the dentist’s office … wherever! Children and parents take turns. One hears a sound and gives a clue about the origin of that noise. Clues and guesses alternate.

The clues might include statements as to whether the quality is loud/soft, if the origin seems to be up high/down low or from the left/right, whether the sound feels pleasant/unpleasant, and if this emanates from nature/machines/people. After the source of the sound has been guessed (or the guesser has given up), the next person takes a turn.

High Tech Sounds

Instead of counting on chance to supply sounds for your child to guess, put your favorite technology and apps to work. By using your phone or computer, record various types of fun noises while your child isn’t right there with you.

Although you might think it’s easy to remember that certain sound was someone chewing a crunchy pickle, for instance, you might want to keep a list for future reference. Then play each sound and ask your children to guess what made that noise. Give clues if you want! As a fun challenge for older kids, you can find specific bird songs then learn to distinguish between the various types of bird calls.

Copycats

To work on auditory memory, gather a variety of noise-making toys or tools: musical instruments, spoons, tongs, pencils, kitchen pans, and the like. One person taps out a pattern with the assembled tools. The next person tries to imitate that exact sequence of sounds. Try making the patterns longer and longer as you go. This is great for encouraging “an ear” for music. For added fun, families can record their results!

Old School Games

Did you know that games that you might’ve played when you were young are incredible for building active listening skills? Games like Broken Telephone, Red Rover Red Rover, Simon Says, Mother May I, and Red Light Green Light are not only fun and a great way to build social skills, but also require kids to pay close attention and process verbal directions.

Here are some more fun toy ideas that you can use to help you get started working on listening.

Auditory Adventures