The Sense of Sound: Tuning Into the World Through Play

Nosey Toesie
17 hours ago
3 min read

Exploring how sound shapes sensory learning, connection, and calm in early childhood.

From the rhythm of a heartbeat to the hum of music, sound surrounds us - it’s one of the very first senses babies experience, even before they’re born. The rhythm of your voice, the noise of daily life, the swoosh of your heartbeat, these sounds create a sense of familiarity and comfort that follows them into the world.

Sound isn’t just something children hear - it’s something they feel. It helps them connect, express, and find comfort in their environment. Through sound, little ones begin to explore emotion, language, and rhythm which become the building blocks of communication and connection.

Why Sound Matters for Little Ones

The sense of sound plays an incredible role in a child’s development - it’s a big part of how they learn to understand and interact with the world around them.

Language Development: Every song, story time, and conversation helps build early language skills. Rhythm and repetition helps with word recognition.
Emotional Regulation: Gentle, predictable sounds, like humming, rain sounds, or white noise, help soothe and calm the nervous system.
Spatial Awareness: Noticing where sounds come from supports focus and orientation.
Connection: The sound of a parent's voice can instantly bring safety and comfort, helping a baby settle and bond.

When we slow down and tune into sound during play, we help children build awareness., and not just of what they hear, but of how it makes them feel too.

Inviting Sound Into Everyday Play

You don’t need fancy noisy toys to explore sound. The most powerful sound experiences often come from the simplest, most natural moments. Here are some ways to invite the sense of sound into your child’s play:

1. Go on a Listening Walk

Take a slow walk outdoors and simply listen. What can you both hear? Birds singing, leaves rustling in the trees, dogs barking, cars in the distance, cows mooing? Pause and name each sound. It helps children connect what they hear with what they see - building sensory awareness and mindfulness.

2. Make Natural Instruments

Fill jars or containers with rice, lentils, shells, or stones. Shake them to explore different tones and rhythms. Children love discovering how sound changes depending on size, texture, and movement.

3. Water Play

Pouring, splashing, and dripping all create sound patterns. The rhythm of water can be deeply calming, for both baby and mama. Try using cups, spoons, or sponges for gentle exploration.

4. Sing and Sway

Music is one of the most powerful sensory tools. Sing to them or sing along to a song, this supports bonding and emotional regulation. Don’t worry about the words or melody; your voice is your child’s favourite sound.

5. Play with Storytime Sounds

When reading aloud to them, play with volume, tone, and rhythm. Whisper parts, exaggerate sounds, and change character voices. It keeps storytime interactive and sparks imagination.

6. Embrace Quiet Moments

Just as sound can stimulate, silence can soothe. Try sitting together and simply listening to the room, to your breath, to nature outside. These still moments help children learn mindfulness and grounding.

Sound as a Source of Calm

Sound holds emotion. It can be energising, uplifting, grounding, or comforting, depending on how it’s used. Many little ones find reassurance in predictable, gentle sounds like the hum of a fan, ocean waves, a familair tune, or your heartbeat during a cuddle.

As parents, we can use sound intentionally, for example to calm overstimulation, or to signal transitions (like a bedtime song).

The Beauty of Listening Together

When we slow down and truly listen, we show our children how to connect - not just to sound, but to the world and each other. Through sound, children learn language, emotion, and presence. So next time you’re together, pause. and listen intentionally to the rain, the cicadas outside, or the sounds from the room you are in.