Hone senses and writing skills as children make a sound map of your neighborhood. This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to use writing for a variety of purposes.
Materials Needed:
- Clipboard
- Paper
- Writing tools
- Phone or camera (optional)
Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction.
Directions:
- Step 1: Take a walk around your neighborhood. Ask your child to take note of sounds they hear, writing brief descriptions or drawing pictures on the paper and clipboard.
- Step 2: Help your child develop a “sound map” of the neighborhood. For example, maybe on the corner, you hear a dog barking or water running, or down the street is a home with children playing in the backyard. Show your child how to draw a map. Label your home, the streets, and the sounds you discover.
- Step 3: Try making a “smell map” or a “touch map.” Smells might include a bakery, flowers, someone’s morning coffee, or gasoline. Touches could include interesting plants, animals, or trees.
Learn More: Take photos of your neighborhood and put together a photographic map or help your child write a book about your neighborhood.
