Nursery World - Sounds good (1)

Babies and toddlers don't need to be stimulated into awareness of different sounds, just left to hear them naturally, says Jennie Lindon. Research into early brain development tells us that babies' brains are well able to learn from sound as well as sight. In fact, the areas of the brain relating to sound and sight are already working before birth. But, of course, the task for babies and very young children is to make sense of all the sounds.

Research into early brain development tells us that babies' brains are well able to learn from sound as well as sight. In fact, the areas of the brain relating to sound and sight are already working before birth. But, of course, the task for babies and very young children is to make sense of all the sounds.

To help babies and young children develop an awareness of sound, helpful adults need to create a positive learning environment in which very young children can distinguish and track sounds and experiment with sound-making.

They should ensure there is enough of interest in the environment, while avoiding auditory overload, and view their own role as an important item of play equipment.

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