Our previous posting mentioned the use of Onomatopoeia as a way to have fun, create joy and learn about ourselves and our environment. The sounds onomatopoeia depends on are many and subtle. Some of them quite literally jump out at us. Some of them just subtly hiss, patter, drum or vibrate their way into our senses and into our memory.
Yeah, so just what is that hiss that snow flakes make as they fall to the ground?
What do we hear when we are out in a steady misty drizzle? I swear I hear something, but is it just at the edge of being audible?
And what about that steady drumming of rain on a roof?
These distinct but characteristic sounds of nature do so set the scene for the experiences of our daily reality.
These sounds of nature seem to have soothing, therapeutic effects on us. Just thinking about that drumming noise made by rain on a roof can make me feel drowsy and relaxed!
Sounds are for the ear. But each of these natural phenomenon has delights for the eyes as well. And then a big wet snow flake lands on your nose.
And the intricate detail of snowflakes, each one a unique manifestation is infinitely fascinating. This is where esthetics and mathematics might just merge. Just google “Wiki Fractals”, for more on the interesting area of fractals.
Perhaps this will inspire you to turn on your students to the simple pleasures of the world around them. Those pleasures are a multi-media feast for the senses. The eyes, the nose, the ears, the skin; the entire human body is a big bundle of sensory receptors. Teach your students to use them all.
