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Garden Sound Map

A calm outdoor listening game where children draw or mark sounds they hear around them.

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About this activity

A calm outdoor listening game where children draw or mark sounds they hear around them. It is designed as a low-prep UK family or classroom game with clear turns, flexible difficulty, and a safe setup.

Materials needed

  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Clipboard or book

Preparation time

5 minutes

How to play

  1. 1Sit in a safe garden, park, or courtyard spot.
  2. 2Mark your position in the centre of a page.
  3. 3Add a symbol in the direction of each sound.
  4. 4Compare maps and describe the quietest and loudest sounds.

Learning benefits

ListeningObservationDescriptive language

Best for

Tags

outdoornaturecalmfreelisteningnew games

Seasons

all year

Occasions

weekendschool holidayafter school

Key stages

EYFSKS1

Weather

SunnyCloudyDry

SEN-friendly note

This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.

Safety note

Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.

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