Night Sounds

Reading/Language Arts

What You Need

• Strips of oak tag
• Pocket chart (optional)
• Tape recorder

What to Do

1. Discuss with children the difference in the level of noise during the night and during the day. Explain that because there is more activity during the day (people are going about their business, radios are playing, cars and trucks are moving, etc.), there is generally more noise, and some sounds may get drowned out by others. At night it is usually quieter, so there may be some sounds that children are especially aware of during the night. Ask children if they have ever noticed certain sounds during the night that they don't usually hear during the day. Record their answers on strips of oak tag.

2. Then tell children that they are going to make a group poem about night sounds. Write the title Night Sounds on a strip of oak tag, or have children suggest a title, and display it in a pocket chart or on a table. Next, read aloud the other strips and work together with the children to create a poem about night sounds by arranging the strips in an order that most of the children agree upon.

3. When the poem is finished, read it aloud with children several times, encouraging them to actually make the noises mentioned in the poem. When children know the poem well enough, have them recite it (noises and all) while you record it. Keep the tape in the listening center.

Teaching Options

• Put the strips in the writing center and let children work alone or with a partner to create other night sounds poems.

• Have children draw a picture to illustrate the poem, then make a copy of the poem to attach to their drawings.

• Arrange the strips in such a way as to make the poem a haiku. It may be possible to create several haiku from the children's suggestions.