Have the child blindfolded and sitting quietly on the porch and tell
all the sounds he hears. The blindfold will add to the interest and
fun, at the same time insure his dependence upon the sense of hearing.
Let him tell what is approaching; if persons are walking, how many? If
a vehicle is coming, how many horses, and what kind of a vehicle? Let
him learn to distinguish automobiles by sound, large cars from small
ones, trucks from pleasure cars.
Strive for recognition of the slightest sound, a distant bird, etc. Try
to estimate the distance from which the sound is coming.
Take the child into the woods, teach him to distinguish the sounds of
the different animals, and if possible to locate the distance and to
estimate the location. On the ground, in a bush, or up a tree?
Anything which stimulates the child to hear keenly and accurately is
of value. Let the exercise be adapted to the time and place. When he
remarks "How quiet it is here," it is a good time for him to realize
how many sounds are actually going on around him.