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

80
Attention Games
08_736546 ch03.qxp 5/26/06 11:57 AM Page 80

---

⽧ Make a Line. Place the rocks in a line from largest to smallest.
⽧ Make a Pattern. Use a variety of sizes and make a
pleasing pattern with the rocks (see illustration).
End any of the games by throwing the
rocks at a target, such as a larger rock, or by
flinging or skipping the rocks into the sea.
Or leave your cairns and rock designs
for others to come upon. Maybe they
will be inspired to make their own,
as I had been.
W
H A T
’
S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
Children are learning to pay
attention to size and shape and
using the careful concentration that
is needed in order to make a cairn.
If they also make a pattern, they are getting an opportunity to be cre-
ative and enter the quiet flow that creativity inspires.
If they end the game by throwing the rocks at a target, they are practic-
ing their eye-hand coordination. If they fling them into the sea, they are
developing their arm strength. If they learn how to skip a rock, they
are developing arm and wrist control. These are all good ways to release
any tension built up during the period of intense focusing.
Mismatched Tea Party
Pretend tea parties can be such a lovely idea, but after the “Would you like
some cream?” and the “One lump or two?” teatime conversations can ebb.
Mismatched cups can become “conversation pieces” and give you and yours
a rich source of details to notice.
Games for 3- to 6-Year-Olds
81
08_736546 ch03.qxp 5/26/06 11:57 AM Page 81

---

This can be the perfect game for certain grandmas to play with their
grandchildren. I know I like it!