Designing the Soundscape for Early Learning

Carol Garboden Murray, in an article in the most recent Exchange magazine, talks about paying attention to what is often an overlooked aspect of an early childhood program.

“As early childhood teachers we prepare the environment, but mostly we focus on what children see and touch. The auditory environment is invisible, but it is just as important. Spaces full of children are full of sound and there is much we can do to design a beautiful soundscape for young children.

The first step is to become a listener. It requires self-awareness and self-control to consciously listen more and talk less. As you become aware of the soundscape, ask yourself:

• Do you primarily hear the hum of children’s voices or is the dominant sound that of the teacher giving directions?
• Can you evaluate the level of engagement and deep play by the sound?
• Which sounds bring you pleasure, joy, peace?
• Are there certain children who move away from sound or seek sound?”

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