The Great Outdoors

Here's a tip that will help your child to really focus. And all you need is access to the outdoors and a piece of string! Place the string in a circle on the ground and then invite your child to look at the mini-world inside. What do each of you see? Talk about the textures, colors, shapes, and living creatures. Stretch the moment by counting the number of rocks or ants or daffodils or by making up stories about what you see.

One of the most important learning skills is focus—paying attention to what is happening around you and noticing details. By talking with your child about what you see in the mini-world, you're helping develop that skill as well as their appreciation for nature.