Knock, Knock—Who's in the Kitchen?

After breakfast was put away, Mali asked, “What sounds does our kitchen make?” Papa Pun set a wooden spoon, a wooden bowl, two measuring cups, and an empty basket on the mat. “Let’s be still and listen.” They went completely quiet... Then Papa tapped softly.

Knock, knock—the wooden spoon tapped the wooden bowl. “Knock, knock! Who’s in the kitchen?” sang Papa Pun. Mali placed a hand on her chest. “Mali’s in the kitchen!” She took the spoon and tapped softly twice. Knock, knock!

Clink, clink—Mali touched the two measuring cups together. “Clink, clink! Who’s in the kitchen?” sang Mali. Papa Pun placed a hand on his chest. “Papa’s in the kitchen!” They giggled, then set the cups down to listen for the next sound.

Thump, thump—Papa Pun patted the bottom of the basket. “Thump, thump! Who’s in the kitchen?” This time Mali and Papa answered together, “We’re in the kitchen!” Knock, knock, clink, clink, thump, thump—slowly, two at a time, and never too loud.

Mali raised one hand for stop. Every sound stopped together. The kitchen grew so quiet they heard a bird outside the window. Then Mali and Papa put everything away. “Again tomorrow?” Papa asked. Mali nodded. “Yes—but first we listen, and then we knock, knock!”

Pausing to listen and taking turns can turn ordinary sounds into shared play. Safe household objects can make joyful rhythms with a grown-up nearby.