By working together to build a shared soundscape, children develop focus, imagination and awareness of how individual contributions combine to create atmosphere.
1. Tune in
Ask the children to close their eyes and listen quietly. Invite them to notice and name any sounds they can hear in the room or outside.
2. Pick an environment
Next, choose an environment together, for example, the jungle.
Ask the children what kinds of sounds they might hear in that environment and experiment as a group with making different noises.
Choose four clear sounds you hear.
3. Divide into groups
Divide the children into four groups and assign one sound to each group.
Explain that when you point to a group, they make their sound, and when you stop pointing, they stop.
4. Overlay sounds to create a soundscape
Build the soundscape by pointing to different groups, layering and overlapping sounds to create the chosen environment.
Allow the soundscape to grow, change and fade before bringing it to a clear end.
Encourage children to listen to the whole soundscape rather than focusing only on their own sound. This activity is particularly effective for calming a group while maintaining creative engagement. Use it to reinforce the idea that thoughtful choices strengthen the overall group experience.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
