Screen-free play
Window Color Count
Why Window Color Count works
Window Color Count is designed to practice comfortable attention and low-pressure observation through a sequence that begins when the child is asked to choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position. Count colors visible through a secure window without opening it, leaning on it or climbing for a better view. The opening action leads directly into the moment when the child is asked to keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window.
Set up — Choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or…
No special materials are needed before the child is asked to choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position. Keep the space simple enough that the child can move from choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position to keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window without rearranging everything. Let comfort come first; the child may keep eyes open, move position, or stop while the child works through the first instruction to choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position.
Step 2 — Keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window
After the child tries to keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings rather than explaining it for them.
Step 3 — Pick one color and look for up to five things outside that…
Have the child pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to count only what is easy to see, especially compared with the earlier request to keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window.
Step 4 — Count only what is easy to see
Give the child time to count only what is easy to see and notice the result. The following instruction to keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe should use what they learned after previously trying to pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings.
Step 5 — Keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe
Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe.
What to notice before Keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe
Use the attempt to pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings as the observation point. If the child understands why they are next asked to count only what is easy to see, the final request to keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe should feel connected.
Make Pick one color and look for up… easier or harder
A shorter version can finish after the child has tried to pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings, using this support: shorten the round and use one obvious thing to notice. An advanced version can continue to keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe after you add a second comparison, a memory check, or a child-led choice.
Finish after Keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe
End while the child still remembers what changed around floor. Ask for one observation, then leave the harder variation for another time. More ideas are in the activity search and activity generator.
How to play
- Choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position.
- Keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window.
- Pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings.
- Count only what is easy to see.
- Keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe.
Make it easier
When the child is new to the mechanic, keep the round to the first two decisions. Keep “Choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position.” and “Keep locks engaged and furniture away from the window.” This gives the child a complete success point early.
Make it harder
For an advanced pass, let the child choose how to handle the middle step. The step that stays central is “Pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings.” The last instruction remains the same check for success.
Play together
In Window Color Count, when an adult and child do it together, let the first person handle the opening step and the second person handle the middle step. Use “Choose a window the child can view safely from the floor or a stable seated position.” as the opening job and “Pick one color and look for up to five things outside that match: cars, signs, flowers, clothing or buildings.” as the handoff point. In Window Color Count, keep the same rules when the roles switch.
Two or more kids
In Window Color Count, when the activity has multiple participants, use separate setup, action and checking roles. Keep “Keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe.” as the common finish. In Window Color Count, everyone should contribute before repeating the activity.
Skills practised
Attention, Observation, Working Memory
Safety
Keep windows securely closed or otherwise child-safe. No climbing on furniture, leaning against screens or opening windows to improve the view. Use a flat clear surface away from stairs and hard edges, and stop if movement becomes unstable.
Supervision: Direct