Sound Scan

Try doing a sound scan to listen for the sounds all around you.

Tuesday, July 14

When you take the time to sit still, be very quiet, and listen deeply you can hear a lot of sounds that you often miss. Sounds like cars buzzing by, birds chirping outside, the sound of your own breathing, and so much more. Listening carefully to sounds that you often don’t pay attention to can help you focus and feel calm. In this challenge, you will try doing a sound scan to listen for the sounds all around you.

This activity is for ages 6-10, but anyone can join.

Supplies:

• Timer (optional)

The Challenge:

Find a comfortable place in your home to sit or lie down. Try to stay still for 5-10 minutes. You may want to set a timer. Close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing that. Listen very carefully. When you hear a sound, pay attention to that one sound for a moment. Then, move on to the next sound. Try the challenges below:

• Listen for the loudest or nearest sounds. What is the loudest noise you hear above the other sounds?
• Listen for the quietest or furthest sounds. What is the softest noise you can hear underneath all other sounds?
• Do you hear something that sounds like it has a low pitch, like a truck rumbling?
• Do you hear something that sounds like it has a high pitch, like voices on a TV?
• Can you hear any sounds that repeat themselves, like a clock ticking?
• Can you hear any sounds that happen randomly, like a dog barking every now and then?

Extensions:

• Try doing a sound scan first thing in the morning and then again right before you fall asleep. What sounds do you hear at different times?
• Draw pictures or come up with words to describe each of the sounds that you heard.