The Old Switcheroo

Observation is a skill just like any other skill and it can be exercised and improved over time. Being a good observer means always keeping your eyes open and being aware of what’s around you. With good observation skills and knowledge the world becomes just that much more wonder-filled!

Here’s an activity you can do to hone your observation skills:

You need:

• 5 to 10 small items (pencils, crayons, balls, eraser, toy cars, buttons, whatever is handy)
• A handkerchief or napkin large enough to cover all the items.
• Some friends

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1.      Lay out all the small items on a table.

2.      Cover the items with the napkin.

3.      Tell your friends you’re going to give them 10 seconds to look at and memorize the items and where they are.

4.      Take the napkin off for 10 seconds and let your friends look. Cover it back up when time is up.

5.      Now move, take away, or add something to the pile of things without letting your friends see what you’re doing.

6.      Invite your friends to try to guess what it was you moved, removed, or added.

7.      Do it again and take turns being the mover.

This is another great exercise to improve your observation skills. I do this with my family at restaurants. I just grab stuff on the table, lay it out and have my family try to guess what’s been changed. (Be careful of grumpy waitresses!)

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