First we used our eyes to look at objects with a specific purpose- to remember the objects when they were covered back up. We again listed the objects we recalled on the tray and noticed how we used our brains and eyes. Next, we just looked and watched the drippers. We then compared the differences, which was easier, harder, how we felt, etc. All noticed it was easier and more calming to just watch or look at the drippers. We then brainstormed animals that had strong animal eyes. The list included eagles, hawks, lions & cats of all kinds etc. The children were asked to sit with their mindful bodies and only moving their heads look carefully with their animal eyes around the room. They were asked to see if they noticed anything they hadn't noticed before. These items were shared and I asked why they thought they had never noticed these items before. This was difficult at first but soon they understood and started listing unusual items, creases etc they discovered and were quite excited.
I then brought out the class rain stick typically used for our class meetings. It is a special stick and the children knew its sound. I asked them to listen to it with their eyes closed followed by listening to it with their animal eyes. They could look for unnoticed items as well. Most tried to do both- listening and looking.
We talked about when and where else we could use our 'animal eyes'.
We talked about when and where else we could use our 'animal eyes'.