To do: Build a castle of silence (aka pillow fort) to compare noises inside and outside
Time: 30 minutes
Materials: Blankets, pillows, chairs, tables
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No matter where you go, the world is a noisy place. Whether it’s natural sounds like wind or rain, or if it’s traffic from the cars nearby, there’s always something going on.

For today’s activity, build a pillow fort. You can use chairs or your couch, and blankets to make as big of a fort as you want!

Besides being a fun feat of engineering, you can also explore the noise deadening effects of the fort. First, sit outside of the fort quietly for one minute. Speak about the noises you hear. Next, do the same exercise inside the fort. What was different?

Utilize the fort as simply a nice place to go to relax quietly, or to listen to soothing music, or read a book by flashlight. The fort creates a new, special space for your child to relax and practice calm. Consider setting time aside once a week to allow your child to have guaranteed quiet time, even if you have to build a new fort each time!

For your older child, ask if they want quiet alone time. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, drawing or just relaxing, it can be beneficial to allow your child to control a set portion of their day. The fort can be a safe space for your child to do their own thing, and explore their imagination uninterrupted!

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