Nothing is required. You may use a bell, a glass gently tapped by an adult, a timer chime or a naturally occurring sound.
What to Say
“Let us listen for one sound together.”
“Can you hear it changing?”
“Tell me or show me when you cannot hear it anymore.”
“Your eyes can stay open or closed – you choose.”
What to Do
STEP 1 Choose one gentle sound and make sure your child knows what will happen.
STEP 2 Create the sound once.
STEP 3 Listen together as it becomes quieter and disappears.
STEP 4 Pause briefly and notice another sound already present in the room.
STEP 5 Finish by naming, pointing to or imitating one sound you heard.
JOIN YOUR CHILD Listen alongside your child and share one simple observation, such as: “At first it was clear, and then it became very quiet.”
One-Minute Version
Pause for one familiar sound, such as water running, a clock or birds outside. Listen for about 30 seconds and name what you noticed.
If Your Child Does Not Want to Participate
Do not insist on silence or closed eyes. Let your child make the sound, choose a quieter sound or simply listen while continuing another calm activity.
Make It Your Own
Use nature sounds outdoors or familiar household sounds indoors.
For sound-sensitive children, avoid sudden bells and use a soft voice, rubbing hands or distant background sound.
Let the child point instead of speaking.
For more than one child, each person can choose one sound to notice.
Your child may pause, turn towards the sound, wait for it to fade or begin noticing other sounds. Some children may want to repeat the sound immediately; repetition can remain playful and brief.
Keep sounds gentle and predictable. Avoid loud, sudden or high-pitched sounds, especially for children with sensory sensitivities. Participation and closing the eyes must always be optional.
Take a Golden Moment and Listening to Silence, combined from the LITTLE MINDS, BIG FOCUS Teacher Training Materials and Activity Collection.
