To visualize the growth of a seed or plant is interesting and helpful.
Prepare the soil, plant the seed, see the little hair roots start
out from the seed, the first green sprout, the breaking of the soil,
the gradual growth, the leafing, branching, budding, and flowering.
Hold your mind upon all pictures which you are visualizing. Direct it
consciously, do not let it wander. Use motion, color, vividness of
detail, everything that will aid concentration.
For this exercise younger children can use the making of a kite,
building of a sand castle or doll house; a Hallowe'en party; a trip to
the woods. Let him start with the well-known and familiar and lead him
up to the unknown, which will develop a desire upon his part for more
definite knowledge of the subject.
The chief factor in observation and in acquiring knowledge is Attention
and Concentration. These can be produced by curiosity and the desire to
excel, which is found in the love of competition and the game spirit. A
good example of concentration is found in the juggler or acrobat on the
vaudeville stage or in the circus. The ability to concentrate will grow
with the doing of the exercises and playing games such as are mentioned
here.
Any exercises or games which will result in improved ability to
concentrate and pay attention are valuable. Play the games with the
child, use any method or idea which suggests itself if it gets results.
Give the child a conscious realization of the possession and value of
this power. See to it that he continues to develop it.