Thanks Amy!
Lots left unsaid, but hopefully at least a discussion starter.
re: Doodads as dust collectors.
We have dust collectors around my house, and can tell you the story behind every one of them. There's a touch-fiddlewith component to doodads that help focus the mind and create/retrieve memories. Its why we give toys to babies....because their mind will immediately focus on it, and focusing is a precursor to learning. For the same reason, I learn better when I can see or touch it. You'd think "toys" in an ADHD world would seem like a great idea.
If it's true that a picture truly is worth a thousand words, then teaching through pictures (seeing, creating, dramatizing) is a great way to PUT a thousand words in the mind.
Come of think of it.... Music is a kind of doo-dad as well. My daughters still remember the music that the mechanical car played next to the cluckin chicken and it brings back a lot of fond feelings.
Guess who likes the idea of Doodads/music/media/art/drama/food/games as "earworms."
