Volume Control Through Play: How Games Harness the Power of the Inside Voice and the Outside Voice
Incorporating games into a child's routine can be a powerful and fun teaching tool. Games that focus on volume control, such as whisper/talk/shout games, can be a particularly helpful way to teach toddlers about appropriate voice levels in different settings.The Importance of Teaching Volume Control
We've all likely experienced it - browsing peacefully in a library when suddenly a babble of voices invades your quiet cocoon; or taking a leisurely stroll in the park, when the tranquillity is interrupted by a sudden burst of shouting laden with shrill laughter. Children, in their innocence and excitement, often don't realize the impact of their volume on themselves and others. Teaching the concept of Inside Voice and Outside Voice, and how to control volume through community-based games becomes paramount. Not only does it impart social etiquette but also helps to enhance a child's emotional intelligence, social interaction skills, and self-awareness.Practice Whisper, Talk, and Shout Games: A Tool for Volume Control
The beauty of games like whispering, talking, and shouting games lies in their simplicity. They create a natural and engaging way to demonstrate the difference in volume levels, and when each is appropriate.- Whisper Scavenger Hunt - This game uses the library as a perfect setting. A list of books is given to the child, and they must find them while keeping their voices down. Not only will they learn voice control, they'll also learn basic library skills!
- Talk Sessions - Encourage children to conduct pretend sessions of their own - they can roleplay as teachers, doctors, or store-owners. This helps the child understand the acceptable volume levels in such professional settings.
- Shouting Tag - A game of tag in the open park - the kid being it needs to shout out who they're about to tag next. This allows children to use, and get comfortable with, their outside voices.
