Kidoloo
ENARFR
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Five Minutes of Absolute Quiet

Everyone silent for five minutes, then say what you heard.

For ages4y - 12y
Time available10 min
Prep0 min
Mess
Noise
YouYes, I will join in

Genuinely useful before bed, or when a room has become too loud for anyone to think.

What you need

Nothing at all.

How to do it

  1. Everyone sits or lies down comfortably.
  2. Set a timer for five minutes.
  3. Nobody speaks or moves. Adults included, which is the difficult part.
  4. When the timer goes, everyone says one thing they heard.
  5. Do not comment on who managed it and who did not.

Why this is good for them

Deliberate silence is uncomfortable at first and then unusually settling, and it gives an overstimulated child a way down that does not involve a screen. Reporting one sound afterwards gives the silence a purpose, which is what makes children agree to it.

Adapting by age

4 to 5 yearsTwo minutes, and let them hold something soft.
11 to 12 yearsTen minutes, and write down what you heard rather than saying it.

Keep it safe

None needed.

Cleanup tip

None.

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