Ever had children that disappear off into space for periods of time OR would you like to join me in never admitting to frequently experiencing that glazed eye feeling !!
I read of a sales counter test that was done in a bank years ago - to try and increase patience levels in angry & frustrated customers, they put nuts and bolts in key places where they could be picked up and distractedly loosened & tightened ... It worked !! apparently they had much calmer customers arriving for their turn at the front of the queue !!
It's the same sort of principal that could apply to mesmerised daydreaming ~ as nice a place as that is ~ bringing children back to the world of reality can sometimes take quite a trigger
so these are a few examples of things that could be done to try and keep the concentration & focus levels going .....
TABLE/FLOOR/CHAIR Times
If the toy is to be watched only - the children must be made aware that they mustn't get up to touch it.
Times where children are expected to sit patiently & wait without purposeful adult engagement can be excrutiating for their self control & concentration EG. Registration/group or circle time & home time.
- Ball motion toys - Newton's Cradle
- Magnetic balancing toys
Place the item in the middle of the table or on a tray (that mustn't be touched) on the floor & set it in motion.
This will allow time for staff to continue quickly organinsing whatever event is due!
Good but flawed ideas :weepy:
Random flashing lights would fit into this group as well - it is possible that they could bring on epilepsy attacks or initiate headaches.
lava lamps - can get very hot
Plasma globes - need to be touched :bouncy: !! lol
STANDING queuing times
For other 'mind unoccupied' times like waiting in line to go to the toilet/outside & play you may find benefit is hanging one of these along the 'Line up' route by your door or cloakroom.
Have breezy type displays that catch the eye and calm the mind
- Strips of tissue paper pinned to the ceiling.
- Brightly coloured mobiles.
FINGER distraction
For Adults as well as children these mind focus activities can be very good !!!
- A small blob of Sticky tac to mould between fingers.
- A scoobie ! wind and unwind it around one finger!
- Hair bands double on a finger .. roll them up and down.
- Finger baton twirling with a pencil
- Abacus beads count & flick backwards & forwards
- Beads strung onto a length of string .. simply move them up and down/ twist and turn.
If you decide to use any of these ideas to snap mesmerisation, please remember to use them in short bursts ...as it is possible they could also induce those hypnotic stares !!!
DISCLAIMER ~ These are personally expressed views based on prior experience.
Daydream Distractors
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