Sound Shaker Memory
Twelve identical sealed containers, spread out in hoops, hide six pairs of sounds; children run to shake two containers and, if they sound the same, carry them together to the table. It builds careful listening, memory and running with a controlled stop.
How to play
- Ahead of time, the teacher fills six pairs of opaque containers (large yogurt tubs or drink bottles) with rice, chickpeas, sand, water, a ping-pong ball or nothing, sealing the lids with tape. Place one in each hoop, spread apart (1 min).
- Sitting down with eyes closed, we listen to what each filling sounds like in a sample container (2 min).
- In two groups, taking turns, a child runs to a hoop, shakes the container by their ear, then runs to another hoop to shake another one (3 min).
- If they sound the same, the child carries both to the table; if not, they leave them in their hoops and go back to the group. Everyone else listens quietly to remember where each sound is (4 min).
- With all the pairs on the table, the teacher opens one of each and we look together at what was inside (2 min).
Rules
- Containers are never opened or thrown.
- While someone shakes, everyone else is quiet.
- If there's no match, each container goes back to its hoop.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, three pairs with very different sounds (rice, chickpeas and empty), walking between hoops.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, six pairs and running between hoops.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, more similar sounds (rice and lentils), and each child describes the sound: “shh-shh,” “tok-tok.”
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: place the hoops close by, and a buddy brings over the containers the child chooses.
- Hearing loss: pairs can also be told apart by weight and vibration in the hand; the child plays “weight memory.”
- Visual impairment: this game suits them well; mark the hoops with a clap to guide the run.
Learning goals
- Tell similar and different sounds apart.
- Remember where each sound is in the space.
- Run and stop with control at a target.
Equipment for a class of 25
- botes opacos con tapa: 12
- arroz, garbanzos y arena
- cinta adhesiva: 1
- aros: 12
- mesa: 1
Teacher tip
Check the taped lids carefully before every session: the contents must never come out. Use containers of the same size and color so they can only be told apart by ear.
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