An important skill for children to master is sound discrimination. Being able to tell one sound from another will help them with writing in the future when they are trying to work out what letter sounds (phonemes) are in the word they want to use. You can help you child to develop listening skills by encouraging them to tune into the sounds around them. This week we are trying to tell if we can identify different types of transport just by its sound.
- Tune in to everyday sounds on listening walks. Describe them and talk about differences.
- Encourage ‘good listening’ – eyes looking, lips still, ears on.
- Explore contrasting sounds – eg loud and quiet, fast and slow.
- Make noises with everyday objects – keys, packets, pots and pans etc.
- Experiment with animal noises. Does a big dog bark in the same way that a little dog does? What does a dragon sound like?
- If your child covers their eyes can they tell where your voice is coming from? Can they tell the difference between your voice and someone else’s?
