There are so many interesting sounds in everyday life and pointing them out to your little one is a great chance for them to learn.
You don't have to head to anywhere unusual; even a bus journey can be a brilliant sensory experience, as you can see in the video below.
Why chat to children about sounds?
- When your child's senses are engaged, they are much more likely to pay attention and learn
- Naming and talking about sounds helps children to connect words with the things they can hear as well as what they see
- It gives an opportunity to learn 'sound words' like 'splash' or 'ring'
How to chat about sounds when you're out and about with toddlers
Any trip out can be an opportunity to talk about sounds as well as sights.
Pay attention to what your little one is interested in, encouraging them to listen out for what they can hear on their way.
Ask children if they can hear things, for example, 'can you hear the bell?'.
Repeat the sound back to them, e.g. 'ring, ring' and see if they'll copy you.
You might want to go on a walk to specifically listen out for sounds. A walk in the woods is great for this - encourage them to listen out for the snap of twigs, the crunch of leaves underfoot or the sounds of birds in the trees.
Image caption, Take your time, pause and listen to what's going on around you.
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