The PNC Words at Play August Play Party series has started at The Advocate Center, located at 18th and Diamond streets. During the first session, families read The Listening Walk, made Listening Journals, and received binoculars to go on their own listening walks at home.

Vocabulary building strategies presented included:

LISTEN! Take a listening walk with your child. Even if your child is not speaking yet, he or she can hear sounds all around. Talk about all the different sounds you hear in the park, at home, and in the library.

WRITE! Make a journal about what sounds you hear. Use descriptive words like loud, soft, harsh, musical, etc.

PLAY! Get out the pots, pans, or plastic bowls and some spoons. Practice making quiet and loud noises. Practice making up songs—try one about a mouse, using very quiet sounds on your instrument.

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The August Play Party series continues on Saturdays in August from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at The Advocate Center. See you there!