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Paying attention
Keeping focus when the easy answer is the wrong one. Little Roos has 5 free games that practise it, for ages 2-8.
Where it fits
In the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (birth to five) and the Australian Curriculum v9 (Foundation to Year 2), with the official wording:
- PSC Self-management (Australian Curriculum v9: General capabilities, Personal and Social Capability): Self-management: goal setting, emotional regulation, and perseverance and adaptability.
- EYLF 1 (Early Years Learning Framework V2.0): Children have a strong sense of identity (including an increasing capacity for self-regulation).
Games that practise it
- Stroopy: Paying attention when the word and the colour disagree. Ages 6-8.
- Hold It, Quoll!: Stopping yourself: tap the quolls that are awake, and let the sleepy ones sleep. Ages 3-7.
- Dugong Remembers: Remembering things in order: watch and listen, then do it back. Ages 3-6.
- Whipbird's Whistle: Copying a rhythm: a long whistle, a short crack, played back in order. Ages 3-6.
- Beep Beep, Who's That?: Listening: hear a vehicle's sound, and find the vehicle that made it. Ages 2-5.
Away from the screen
About two minutes each, with things most homes have.
Opposite day (from Stroopy)
- Give simple actions: "Touch your head."
- The rule is to do the opposite: touch your toes.
- Swap who gives the actions. Go slowly, then a bit faster.
Statues (from Hold It, Quoll!)
- Put music on and dance.
- When the music stops, freeze like a sleeping quoll.
- Take turns being the one who stops the music.
Things to ask while they play
- What colour can you see, not what does the word say?
- Is it easier to go fast or slow?
- How do you know this quoll is asleep?
- What helps you wait?
More skills in Attention and self-control, or every skill.
Updated