By working together and controlling their voices, children develop careful listening, cooperation and an understanding of projection without shouting.
1. Introduce the rules
Explain that you have a very special treasure hidden somewhere in the room and that the class will work together to help one child find it, without pointing or giving direct clues.
2. Prepare the seeker
Ask one child to wait just outside the room with one adult while the game is set up.
3. Hide the treasure
Quietly select a helper from the group. That helper chooses a secret hiding place for the treasure somewhere in the room.
4. Explain the sound clues
Invite the child back into the room and explain that the only clue they will receive is the volume of the group's voices.
5. Begin the chant
Lead the class in chanting "Find the treasure!"
6. Search and listen
The child listens carefully, follows the sound cues and searches the room until they find the treasure.
7. Celebrate and repeat
Celebrate their discovery, then choose a new seeker and play again.
This game is brilliant for developing listening and teamwork skills. Children love the suspense of hiding and searching, and it encourages them to work together and use their voices purposefully rather than shouting for the sake of it. Make sure to model the appropriate volume levels clearly so the game stays controlled and enjoyable for everyone.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
