B a r b a r a s h e r I l L u s t r a t I o n s b y r a L p h

Bracelet of Leaves
You can encourage your little one to notice the many shapes of leaves
by making a masking tape leaf bracelet. It will give a focus to your
child’s outdoor time and increase his ability to scan and explore.
T
Y P E S O F
A
T T E N T I O N
E
N C O U R A G E D
Open and focused
M
A T E R I A L S
Masking tape
Leaves
D
I R E C T I O N S
Wrap a piece of masking tape around your
child’s wrist, sticky side up, and then go
exploring to find wonderful leaves and other
interesting things to attach to the bracelet.
Before bedtime, snip the bracelet off and attach it next to his bed or
somewhere in view so he can have a visual reminder of that fun experience.
V
A R I A T I O N S
⽧ Make a flower bracelet. Collect little wildflowers.
⽧ Wrap tape around the sleeves of your child’s coat so that larger leaves
or flowers can be included.
W
H A T
’
S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
Children are scanning the environment to find the leaves needed to enhance
their bracelet. Then, with help, they are noticing the different details of the
various leaves, such as color patterns, shape, and vein configuration. “Look
how this leaf is shaped like a heart and this one looks more like an arrow.”
This game will help make them generally more attentive to their envi-
ronment on other days.
Games for 1- to 3-Year-Olds
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The Enchantment of Water
Although the “equipment” may seem too simple, a sponge and a bowl of water
can provide some interesting focusing times for your toddler. (CAUTION:
never leave a child alone near even very shallow water.)