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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Attention Games
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time at the top of the page. She figures out how long it takes to get to school
and what time she would like to start in order to arrive on time. Have her
write that event and time down next. Then she figures how long she would
like to spend eating breakfast, subtracting that time from the time she
needs to leave by, and writing that time next on the list. Ask her to keep
working backwards until she gets to what time she has to wake up.
She gets to decide how long she would like each part to take, and fills in
the chart.
To make the chart more cheerful, take digital photos of her eating,
brushing her teeth, and so on and have her paste each picture beside the
appropriate time on the chart.
V
A R I A T I O N
Instead of using photos, your child can draw appropriate pictures beside
each time.
Games for 6- to 12-Year-Olds
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W
H A T
’
S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
Children are learning to manage their time, which is a vital skill that
requires constant attention. This backwards charting is a fun way to get the
hang of considering all aspects of scheduling. If children get in the time
management habit early on, it will serve them all their life.
Toe Stepping
Here’s a fun and silly game that requires concentration and quick 
movement. Try it at a birthday party gathering when you want to redirect
excess energy or when the kids are bored and want
something quick and new to do.