At this time of year it can sometimes be hard to think of outdoor activities, but the great thing about this Sound Hunt is that it can be enjoyed in all weathers around your neighbourhood, & you don't need any equipment.
Before we set out on our sound hunt we shared this rhyme (based on We're Going on a Bear Hunt)
Before we set out on our sound hunt we shared this rhyme (based on We're Going on a Bear Hunt)
Minnie set off on her hunt armed with 2 sound sticks (wooden spoons) to help track down some outdoor sounds.
She led the hunt & experimented with the sound sticks on walls, bricks, fences, trees, toys, & even my wellies! As she explored she commented on the sounds she found; "That's a really really quiet noise" or "That's so loud!" She even made comparisons without any prompting from me; "That's more louder than the fence!" Brilliant!
As we continued our sound hunt around our neighbourhood we walked through a wooded area & heard birdsong. We paused to listen to the different sounds each bird made & tried to spot them hidden in the trees. We listened to the cracking of the twigs beneath our feet, & the rustle & crunch of the leaves as we jumped through them.
As she was actively listening Minnie noticed the sounds of cars & planes, & school children playing in a nearby playground, sounds which before may have gone unnoticed. She heard most sounds & was able to discern their pitch & volume, & in most cases she was able to locate where they originated from.
It was great to just have space to listen, & appreciate the sounds of our outdoor environment.
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| In case you're wondering why we have a colander in our garden... we use it as a planter, & it's recently been filled with our crocus bulbs ready for Spring! We like to be a little quirky (& frugal) in this house! ;-) |
As we continued our sound hunt around our neighbourhood we walked through a wooded area & heard birdsong. We paused to listen to the different sounds each bird made & tried to spot them hidden in the trees. We listened to the cracking of the twigs beneath our feet, & the rustle & crunch of the leaves as we jumped through them.
It was great to just have space to listen, & appreciate the sounds of our outdoor environment.
Listening is such an important skill, & to be able to explore it in this outdoor activity was really valuable. Often we're so focused on activities outside that we forget to take time to stop & listen to the world around us.
I'd love to do this sound hunt again during a different season & compare what we hear. Or how about going on a sound hunt on a windy day or while it's raining or snowing. Perhaps Minnie could record the findings herself using the camera next time.
Have you tried a sound hunt/walk around your neighbourhood?