In this activity, your child will distinguish between using quiet, medium, and loud voices while incorporating number counting and chanting a rhyme.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing; Social and Emotional
MATERIALS
- None
LET'S PLAY
Children love music and the rhythm of chanting.
Together, chant this counting rhyme at the voice level indicated. As you get to the higher numbers, your voice volume should get louder and louder:
One, two – buckle my shoe… (whisper)
Three, four – shut the door… (quiet voice)
Five, six – pick up sticks… (normal talking voice)
Seven, eight – lay them straight… (getting louder)
Nine, ten – let’s do it again! (shouting)
TIPS
- This activity will help children to differentiate between “inside” and “outside” voices. As you speak quietly, note that you are using an “inside” or “quiet” voice and then get louder using your “outside voice” or “loud voice.” Also teach your child the word “whisper” and demonstrate what this word means.
- Gestures can be used as cues to help children “see” differences in volume, as well as hear the differences. You can start with your hands pressed together as you whisper, and then move your hands farther apart as your volume increases until your hands are spread far apart to indicate the loudest volume. Or start with one hand close to the floor as you whisper, and then raise your hand higher as your volume increases until your hand is raised above your head to indicate the loudest volume. You can also use these gestures as cues in real life when reminding your child to use a louder or quieter voice.