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

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Blow the feather to your child and ask him to blow it back to you.
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In addition to increasing children’s focusing skills, watching the movement
of the feather enhances the control, strength, and flexibility of their eye
muscles.
By noticing the differences in how the feather behaves in different air
currents, children are becoming aware of the subtle effects of air move-
ment. You can enlarge on this awareness by pointing out the different direc-
tions that leaves flutter and flower stalks bend when affected by the wind.
The Knocking Game
Listening to and identifying the different sounds objects make when you knock
on them is a game that can be played at any time. This makes it an ideal game
to play to help little ones let go of their fussing and change their focus.
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Attention Games
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Open and focused
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Common objects found around the house
Spoon (optional)
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Ask your player to close her eyes and turn her back to you. Then see if she
can guess the object you are knocking on with your fist. Start with easy
things, such as a table and a window, and work toward sounds that are
harder to identify, such as knocking on a book or lamp.
Take a turn being the identifier and let your child scan the room and be
the knocker.
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Use a spoon instead of your fist to knock on things.