Attention Bucket (Bucket time)
Resources needed – Bucket/Bag/Box (that children cannot see through)
Ideas of objects include –
- Bubbles
- Spinning/light up/musical toys
- Coloured ribbon
- Balloons (blow balloon then let go)
- Moving objects e.g. dog,
- Windup toys
- Pop up toys
The purpose of Bucket time is to build children’s attention, listening, eye contact and being able to sit for a short period of time. Bucket time will last around 5 minutes when presented.
See Also
How to Create a Bucket ListWhat is a Bucket List101 bucket list ideas you can inspire from24 Fun Activities to Add to Your Bucket List for SummerSteps for attention bucket –
- Adult to sit opposite the child 1 metre apart.
- Adult to the show the bucket time widget to the child and say “Its Bucket time”. If a bag is used adult would say “Its bag time” etc. (adapt wording where needed)
- Adult would now sing the bucket song. “I have something in my bucket, in my bucket, in my bucket, I have something in my bucket, I wonder what it is. (Sing and sign as shown in the video.
- An adult will then take out an item from the bucket, name the item and demonstrate using the toy. (Child is required to sit and observe). An adult will use single words or two word phrases in relation to the object used explaining what they are doing or what child can see. An adult will use the object for a short while and then encourage the child to request more by saying “More” or Makaton signing “More”. (Adult is looking for any type of request from the child eg. Eye pointing, reaching, signing or vocalising). An adult will then repeat this action using the same resource encouraging child to extend eye contact and attention. Below is an example of language used when an adult is blowing bubbles.
Language used: “We have bubbles”
“Blow Bubbles
“Pop”
“Catch”
“More”
“The bubbles have finished”
- Once this item has finished the item will be put back into the bucket and another will be taken out. Same steps as above will apply adapting language to the toy used.
- Once you have shown around 4-5 objects an adult will put the lid on the bucket and say “Bucket time has finished”. (Sign and say as shown in the video).
Makaton signs used:
More:
Finished:
