Listening to the Quiet
What’s inside...
Listening to the Quiet is a collection of reflective essays and personal stories by author Cassie Silva that emphasizes the importance of finding moments of stillness in our busy lives. It explores the profound impact that listening to the quiet can have on our well-being, with Silva sharing her personal experiences and insights. Additionally, What does nothing sound like? is a heartfelt story about a young girl named Jacki whose mother is slowly losing her hearing. To maintain their bond, they start learning Sign Language, but as Jacki's world remains full of sound, especially with Music Appreciation Fridays, she struggles with enjoying music knowing her mother can no longer hear. This story is inspired by the author's own childhood and highlights the challenges and new ways to experience the world when dealing with a loved one's hearing loss.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think 'Listening to the Quiet' means in the story?
How do you feel when everything is quiet around you?
Can you remember a time when you listened to the quiet? What did you hear?
Why do you think quiet moments are important in the story?
How do you think the main character felt during the quiet moments?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of the characters by sharing your own stories of quiet times.
Use a soft and calm tone when discussing the book to emulate the theme of quiet and attentiveness.
After reading, spend a few minutes together in silence, and then discuss what each of you thought about or noticed during the quiet.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings about silence and quiet times, whether they find it peaceful or challenging.
Encourage your child to create drawings or write a short story about what they imagine during their quiet times, relating back to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of mindfulness
Explanation: In 'Listening to the Quiet,' the protagonist explores various quiet places and moments, teaching children to appreciate stillness and mindfulness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find moments of calm in their daily lives, helping them manage stress and improve focus.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story shows how the character listens to the quiet and the unspoken words of others, emphasizing the value of understanding emotions and perspectives other than one's own.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more observant and empathetic towards the feelings of their friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, nature plays a crucial role in bringing peace and quietude, teaching children to value and protect their natural environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to spend more time outdoors, exploring and caring for the environment.
Example Lesson: Value of introspection
Explanation: The quiet moments lead the character to self-reflection, which allows for personal growth and self-awareness.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of spending time with themselves to reflect on their feelings and actions.
Example Lesson: Creativity in solitude
Explanation: The book depicts solitude not as loneliness but as a fruitful opportunity for creativity and imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their alone time to engage in creative activities, fostering their imagination and independent thinking.