Listen for a sound to end

Student page

“The room is busy. I can put my attention on one sound for a moment.”

Follow the sound

Ready

Look at a spot in front of you.

Listen

Hear three soft taps.

Done

When the taps stop, lower your hand.

Try it twice

Hold up one finger when the taps start. Lower it after the third tap.

If you’d rather watch, look at the adult’s hand. Lower your finger when their hand is still.

Now notice one more thing

Hear

Name a sound you notice.

See

Name something you see.

You can answer quietly, point, or pass.

Teacher guide

3 minutes • Show the student page. Use a desk or your palm for soft taps.

When to use it

At a classroom transition when students need one brief thing to focus on.

Why this activity

Following a short cue gives students a concrete way to practice shifting attention.

What to say and do

1. Say “Watch my hand or listen for three taps. You can keep your eyes open.”

2. Tap slowly three times and hold your hand still. Repeat once.

3. Ask students to notice one sound or one thing they see before starting the next activity.

What to listen or look for

A student lowers a finger when the cue ends or points to something they noticed. Watching the cue works as well as listening for this exercise.

Background and activity inspiration

https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/mindful-listening-for-students/