2.5y–4.2y9 minMusicFree playFamily time
Loud, Soft, Fast, Slow Sound Lab
A safe household sound exploration where you prompts your child to change one sound at a time (quiet/loud, slow/fast, different surfaces) and pause to listen for the difference.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-3 safe sound makers (e.g., plastic tub with lid, saucepan, plastic bowl)
- 1 wooden spoon (or plastic spoon)
- a towel/mat (to protect surfaces and reduce noise)
Nice to have
- dry rice/pasta in a sealed container (adult checked) to use as a shaker
- paper + crayon (to draw a simple 'sound map' or score)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExplores and learns how sounds can be changed.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneCreates sounds by banging, shaking, tapping or blowing.Mind· 7mo–10mo· core· Steps 1, 3, 4
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneShows an interest in the way musical instruments sound.Mind· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneDiscriminates musical instrument soundsMind· 3y–4y· core
- MilestoneProduces a simple rhythmMind· 2.8y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct