When they return, they have to look at the room and correctly identify what has changed.

You take one thing away, or change the location of one thing.

Kids look around the room, observing everything in great detail.

Some I even remember from my childhood! They all connect this idea of “mindful seeing” with creative play. That said, these are games that we love to play at Child’s Play NY, or ones that I love around my home.

These are especially geared for classrooms and schools, so teachers, take note! Become a Mindful Detective with these Observation Games There are plenty of inspiring guides and data-based activities on their website if you want to do a mindfulness deep-dive with meaning. If you aren’t familiar with MindUP™ or the Hawn Foundation’s amazing work, check it out. “As students practice mindful seeing exercises, they become increasingly attuned to observing details by slowing down and focusing their attention.” Watch her explanation of how simply identifying objects around us has a calming affect.įurthermore, the MindUP™ Curriculum: Brain Focused Strategies for Learning – and Living has this lovely explanation about why mindful seeing works: Belinda Bellet of Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Society explains it all so well here. Why Naming What You See is the Perfect Jolt of Mindfulnessĭr. If you haven’t yet seen this amazing TED talk on your brain on imagination, check it out. Why does this matter? Well, this kind of playing is essential for developing both our kids brains and characters! When you play I spy in this way, kids are engaging their creative imaginations, making believe that they themselves are imagining the animals and viewing their environments afresh. Feel free to combine this with another classic guessing game, 20 questions!

Alternatively, you can play the typical “I spy” game where one person guesses what the other person sees.

Additionally, and really for more on play with language and sounds to release the play silliness and confidence.

You can go back-and-forth between animal sounds and words.

For example, a fly (as viewed by a snake), a stuffed bear (as viewed by a frog), a glass of milk (as viewed by a cat), all take on new drama and excitement.

Next, take turns sharing what you see as that animal!.

Play around with getting into the body of the character.

First, kids (and you) claim an animal.

Spy games online for free