Want to connect young children with nature? One surefire way is to listen to nature’s sounds. Bugs, frogs, birds, all of these creatures—and their cries, calls, and croaks—are readily found in every environment.
Soundscapes are the sounds that populate our world. They evoke a sense of home, even if we haven’t consciously been paying attention. Taking time to listen allows children a pathway to tuning in to the natural world. They also have the opportunity to recognize that nature is all around them, whether in a suburban neighborhood or on a city street.
Get a head start in raising your young naturalist by using John Himmelman’s eye-catching, colorful, and boisterous Noisy Collection series. These three picture books are full of unforgettable creatures (with close-up, scientifically accurate illustrations) and the noises they make, with their singing, clicking, pecking, squeaking, or quacking nearly bursting off the page.
As one reviewer wrote about Noisy Frog Sing-Along:
“Here’s a great family book—the perfect way to release the inner frog of a child near you!”
Once you’ve played with the sounds in the books, take it to the next level by listening to audio clips of the same bugs, frogs, and birds, available free on our website. Then, as Himmelman encourages in the activities included in the back of the book, take your eyes, ears, nose, and hands outside!
For more about soundscape activities in the classroom, check out this thoughtful article by Community Playthings about introducing more sound awareness into early elementary classrooms. And for activities for older children, there is a great activity guide from National Geographic.
This December, as part of of our Holiday Sale, you can purchase all three books in the Noisy Collection series for 50% off! Enjoy!
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