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

M
A T E R I A L S
Toothpicks, plain or colored
D
I R E C T I O N S
Make an abstract design by laying toothpicks out on a table or floor, with
each player adding her toothpick to the design. The first player puts down
one toothpick and the next adds hers at just the angle that seems pleasing
to her. The next person then adds a toothpick to that design, and so on and
so on until an interesting design is formed.
Games for 6- to 12-Year-Olds
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V
A R I A T I O N
Make a specific scene—for example, a house with a picket fence and trees.
Each of you can work on different parts of the scene.
W
H A T
’
S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
It takes concentration to pick up a skinny toothpick and decide on the best
place to put it. Placing each toothpick down carefully and trying not to jig-
gle the design encourage awareness of hand movements.
This activity also develops the pincer grasp, which uses the small mus-
cles that control the index finger and thumb.
If the design gets mildly jiggled, let your child repair it as part of the
learning experience if she wants to. If the design gets hopelessly jumbled
because of excess movement, have an easygoing attitude (“Guess that one
is done and it’s time to start a new one!”) so that learning to be okay with
mistakes is part of the game.
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Attention Games
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Games for Teens
P A R T F I V E
T
he games in this part of the book center around ways to help teenagers
stay focused by attending to the present moment. When older children
are feeling anxious and uncomfortable, they, as we all do, mentally leave
the present moment and go to the past or the future in their minds. What we
want to teach them is that they can stay engaged in the present, even if it’s not
a happy moment, because the time will pass. They don’t have to like, relish, or
enjoy every moment; they just need to acknowledge that this is the kind of
moment they are having and go on.
These games help the players be more comfortable with what is happen-
ing because they give them ways to deal with difficulties and develop a posi-
tive attitude. When teens are confident in their life skills, they find it easier to
stay focused and present.
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