Let’s guess that sound

Just like a TV game show! This activity helps children listen to and identify sounds. You can help them to hear the differences in sounds – which is the start of language learning. They will also develop skills used in learning to read.

What do I need?

• A box or basket with a cover (such as a lid, towel or blanket) to keep the ‘sounds’ inside
• Items you can make sounds with, such as:
• a book to open and close
• coins to jingle
• paper or foil to crumple
•  a zip to open and close (a jacket, backpack or cushion cover)
• paper to tear
• a saucepan and spoon to bang

How do I do it?

1. Show your child each of the items and help them discover the sounds they make.
2. Talk about each sound – “Is it a quiet sound or a loud sound?”
3. Put all the items back in the basket or box and get your child to close their eyes or turn their back… the game is about to begin!
4. Ask your child to listen closely and, without them seeing it, select an item and make the sound.
5. It’s time to play: “what is that sound? “
6. Now it’s times to swap: your child can choose one of the sounds, and you have to guess what it is.

No-one knows your child better than you.  So, choose and/or adapt ideas here to best suit you and your child. Remember it’s the talking and time spent together that matters most.