Listening Walk

Listening Walk

Today, my husband and I were fortunate to experience the total eclipse in Vermont. It was such an incredible experience. The experience made me consider the few times that we, as adults, truly experience a sense of wonder. The kind of wonder where you are fully present and fully immersed in the moment. 

As adults, our busy lives and constant connections to our phones make it difficult to be present and experience wonder. For young children, every day is filled with curiosity and wonder. From a dried worm on the sidewalk to a fluttering feather on the playground, young children are always willing to stop and enjoy moments that we, as adults, pass by without a second glance. It’s time for us all to embrace the small moments in life.

One of my favorite ways to transition from the outdoor space to the classroom is by taking a listening walk. Listening walks are a fantastic way to calm our bodies and take in the world before returning to the classroom. Most days, we would take two quiet laps around the playground, listening to the sounds of nature around us. Occasionally, we would walk a little longer if we heard an interesting sound or if it took our bodies longer to return to a sense of calm. 

Some days, we took a listening walk when the four walls of the classroom became too much. During these special walks, we often grabbed paper, clipboards, and writing supplies. We used these materials to create sound maps, which showed the different sounds we heard during our walk. Sometimes, the children would trade maps and follow the sound trail marked by their peers. 

If you are interested in adding listening walks to your routine you can start by reading this book.