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

V
A R I A T I O N
Use wrapped hard candies, fake coins, poker chips, marbles, Popsicle sticks,
or anything else that is safe for your child to find and won’t be harmed by
the weather or tramping feet.
W
H A T
’
S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
Hunters are exercising their open attention skills as they scan the areas for
peanuts or other items. Looking closely in specific places enhances their
focusing skills.
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Attention Games
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Playing a hunting game right alongside everyone else—sharing a goal
and being successful—highlights children’s social skills. They belong
because they are one part of a whole group!
Regroup Time
It may be a bit of a stretch to call Regroup Time a game when it sounds
suspiciously like “time-out,” but there is a big difference. Time-out has
come to feel like a punishment, so it’s not something to use when children
need more understanding about what they are experiencing. Regroup time
gives the child a break from the action and time to soothe and refresh his
body and soul.
T
Y P E O F
A
T T E N T I O N
E
N C O U R A G E D
Focused
M
A T E R I A L S
Whatever your child likes to do for a little quiet time (see suggestions
below)
D
I R E C T I O N S
When things get too much for your youngster and his actions and emo-
tions get disorganized and out of control, suggest that it’s time to regroup.
Let him know you understand that he’s not being bad—he’s just having a
difficult time. You could say something like “Do you need some time to get
yourself together?” or “Why don’t you go and cool down for a while and
come join us when you’re ready” or “This feels like a good time to go to
your special spot.”
Set up a place ahead of time that has the ingredients that work for your
child. Would he like art supplies, books, music or story CDs, a yoga mat
with photos of yoga poses to imitate? Let him help you set up his spot and
help pick the activities that interest him.