Autumn sound shakers

Children fill containers with autumn treasures and look for pairs that sound the same – an auditory perception exercise.

Steps

1. After a walk children bring acorns, conkers, leaves and twigs. Add rice, dried peas and sand.
2. Each material goes into two opaque containers – making pairs.
3. Mix the containers on the table. Children shake them by their ears and look for pairs with the same sound.
4. Check: each container has a coloured sticker underneath – pairs share a colour.
5. Harder version: children line up the containers from quietest to loudest.

Tip: Secure the lids with tape or glue so small pieces can't spill out near younger children.

Materials needed

• Small plastic containers with lids (12)
• Coloured dot stickers (1 sheet)