Making Sounds with Objects
Here's What To Do
Play a sound imitation game with me! Gather a few toys that we can safely bang on a hard surface (like: a rattle, a spoon, a plastic cup, etc.).
Show me how you can bang a toy on the ground or table to make a noise. See if I'll copy your sound with a toy I'm holding.
Keep taking turns for as long as I show interest.
Repeat with different toys, or on different surfaces (a rug vs. a hard floor).
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Help me use my hands to make a rhythm. Gently pat them on the floor, or help me clap them together.
Engage:
- (drum, drum, drum) Can you copy Papa? Like this: (drum drum drum)
- Oh, I like the sound you're making. Let me try. (shake shake shake)
Encourage:
- To encourage me to keep going, copy the way I bang the toy or match the rhythm I make.
- Make sure to pause for several seconds when it's my turn. It might take me a while to join in.
Reflect:
- How did I experiment with making sounds?
Not quite ready?
If I'm not able to bang a toy yet, let me watch as you play this game. Bang different toys against different surfaces, playing different "drumming" rhythms.
Ready for more?
Set up a kitchen "drum set" with bowls, pots, and pans. Let me bang on the "drum set" with a wooden kitchen spoon, and see what kinds of rhythms and sounds I can make!
As your child masters this skill...
They will explore different ways to make interesting sounds.