Honestly, my first reaction when I read that sentence was “Quiet?! What is that?” This house is far from quiet most days. There’s pretending and sword-fighting, loud conversations and bickering. Someone always has a story to tell or lunch orders to demand. Needless to say, the moments of silence are few and far between.
“But within each child there is also an innate talent for listening that deserves to be honored and encouraged.” -page 105
One trick I’ve discovered lately is super simple: open the windows. We’ve had some amazing weather lately, so I’ve taken the opportunity to air out the house and shut off the A/C. But what I didn’t realize is how open windows would affect my children!
All of us, even little J, have stopped in our tracks to listen to the sounds outside. Birds chirping, a dog barking, the garbage truck rumbling past our house…each sound interesting and new. It’s been fun to watch the wonder in my boys’ faces as they process what they hear. What tricks do you use with your kiddos to encourage listening?
same thing, actually. my kids halt when the windows are open. well, maybe not halt, but stop briefly to listen…