PL 2.02Opening and Closing a Door Quietly

1. 1

   Invite a small group: 'I will show you how to open and close a door so no one hears it.'

2. 2

   Stand facing the door. Turn the handle all the way and hold it turned.

3. 3

   Pull or push the door open slowly, just wide enough to walk through.

4. 4

   Step through. Take the handle on the other side and keep it turned.

5. 5

   Close the door slowly until it touches the frame. Let the handle turn back so the latch slides in. Listening for the soft click is the point of interest.

6. 6

   Open the door again the same way, walk back through, and close it.

7. 7

   Invite each child in turn to go through the door and close it without a sound while the others listen.

What catches the child’s eye

• The handle held turned so the latch stays in
• The soft click as the latch settles

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Hold the door open for a person carrying something
2. Open the door for a visitor and close it after they come in
3. Open and close a cupboard door the same way