Map Monday: Songbird Sound Map

Sound Maps are a great tool for connecting with nature and improving concentration.
They are also useful to understand layout and legends for map-making, which requires taking a good look around you and being aware of what is there.
The added bonus is anyone who is capable of creating images/symbols can participate. Writing is not necessary. You can add a writing component by labeling the map, but otherwise, it is based on representational symbols.

First choose a spot to sit outdoors.
Mark yourself in the center of the page (any old symbol to represent the self.)
Next, note what objects are in front, behind and beside you. Make simple symbols for those objects.
Lastly, listen.
Our Sound Map was representing songbirds, so for every bird heard, the kids were to mark whereabouts they heard the bird (a music note, or 'V' were used as the symbol for song or bird respectively.)
Towards the end of the listening period, compare maps to see if the numbers match up.

Kids comfortable writing can create a Legend and indicate what their symbols represent.

We are not really 'organized activity' junkies, but we were super fans of the Music Together program and completed nearly every season available.
With each season, your instructor gives your family CDs of the music learned in class as well as a music book with suggestions for games and activities.
They use a load of folk and seasonal songs; many we return to every year.

"Robin Red Breast

Crow flying high

Nuthatch hopping down the tree

Chicka-dee-dee-dee."

A dear friend mentioned a music program she is doing from home Sing Sol Fa.
https://www.singsolfa.com/
We have been working on this program for a week. Loads of lovely songs and music games to play together.
We happened to learn Sol and Fa Hand Signs this morning, which worked nicely with our Sound Map Symbols.
https://www.singsolfa.com/lessons/solfa-unit-2/star-light-star-bright/