Observation

Narrative

Through observation more and more data points can be gathered and mixed into one’s thinking and quality of experiences.

What game are Dad and Brother playing? Mom is bent over. Is she going to pick up sister?
Are Mr. & Mrs Stick having fun watching ? When were you last outside ?
What is your favorite outdoor activity? Is it warm outside ?

Look out a window and ask what do you see? Follow up with a few things that were missed.

Try one of the many “Seek and Find” kids’ books. These are cleverly created and help to look a little harder at graphics or situations.
One practice I used regularly was to estimate (guess) at sizes. Hold your hands apart and ask how many inches is this? Use a ruler to confirm. There is no right and wrong to guessing… though one answer may be correct. Accuracy will increase with practice.
Keep ‘em guessing ? Like how many jelly beans in a jar, evaluating any situation will lead to more accuracy over time. How many cars on the road where you can see? If you can see ¼ mile you might ask how many cars might we expect in the next mile? Start to flow in some math and predictive analysis.
Take kids with you wherever you go. They can tag along on most professional, shopping, or social visits when little and get a feel for the pace and tone of adult life. They should be able to adjust to quiet courtesy if you have prepared them with a bathroom stop, adequately fed, and rested. Missing any of these is on YOU, not the kid. Expect them to hold their own for a duration commensurate with their age. They can do it. The time in these environments is invaluable for their exposure and growth.