Parents' Guide to learning about Light and Sound in Primary School

Light and sound are fascinating topics that help children understand how they experience the world around them. These topics are introduced gradually throughout primary school, building from simple observations to more scientific explanations.

Year 1 & 2 (Key Stage 1)

Children begin by:

• identifying sources of light
• recognising light and dark
• noticing everyday sounds
• understanding loud and quiet sounds

Learning is based on real-world experiences, listening carefully, and describing what they see and hear.

You can support learning by:

• talking about light sources at home
• playing listening games
• discussing sounds in different environments

Year 3 & 4 (Key Stage 2)

What your child will learn:

• understand how light helps us see
• explore reflection and shadows
• learn how sounds are made by vibrations
• identify patterns in pitch, volume, and distance

Children also learn to work scientifically by making observations and spotting patterns.

How to support learning:

• explore shadows outside
• safely investigate reflections
• talk about sounds made by instruments or household objects

Year 5 & 6 (Key Stage 2)

What your child will learn:

• light travelling in straight lines
• reflection and refraction
• how shadows are formed
• sound energy and sound waves

They begin to use scientific vocabulary and explain ideas using evidence.

How to support learning:

• encouraging curiosity
• discussing real-world examples (mirrors, glasses, echoes)
• asking children to explain what they observe

Why Light and Sound matter

Learning about light and sound helps children:

• understand how they see and hear
• stay safe around light sources
• appreciate music, technology, and communication
• develop observation and reasoning skills

These topics lay important foundations for future science learning.