Mindful Creative Play with tickit Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays

Creative learning can go far beyond traditional painting and drawing. Children can explore artistic ideas using tactile, colourful materials such as the tickit Gem Cube and tickit Gem Circle Mirror Trays. These resources provide a fun and engaging way to combine creativity, mindfulness and hands-on exploration.

Working with tactile objects allows children to express themselves freely without strict rules, offering a calming and enjoyable experience. Engaging with shapes, colours and patterns encourages concentration on the present moment, helping to reduce stress and promote emotional wellbeing.

The mirror base adds another mindful dimension. It provides a defined space for creativity while reflections enhance pattern recognition, symmetry and perspective.

How Primary Schools Use tickit Mirror Trays to Support Mindful Creativity

“The Gem Cube Mirror Tray encourages sculptural play and experimentation with colour. Sculpture can be tricky for younger children as clay may be too difficult, but the geometric gems allow them to create abstract yet meaningful structures while focusing on creativity.”

“The mirrored base also introduces open-ended learning opportunities around symmetry, reflection, angles and pattern. It aligns with the art and design curriculum from EYFS through Key Stage 2.”

Rachel Comfort, Primary School Teacher, Skinners Primary School, Kent, UK

Designed for Longevity and Sustainability

tickit creates educational products that inspire imagination, encourage open-ended play and are made with sustainable materials. Both the Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays are made from FSC-certified wood and designed for years of mindful play in classrooms and at home.

Eight Ways to Explore Mindfulness and Creativity with tickit Gem Mirror Trays

1. Colour Breathing Mandalas

Children can choose gem colours to create circular mandalas, coordinating each placement with slow, mindful breathing. This activity promotes relaxation, colour recognition and symmetry awareness.

2. Mirror Reflections

By building only half a design, children can observe the mirror completing the pattern. This helps develop visual-spatial awareness, balance and mindful focus.

3. Calm Colour Gradients

Arranging gems in shades from light to dark or from one hue to another teaches colour theory while encouraging attention to detail and patience.

4. Light Meditation Art

Using natural light, a lamp or a tickit Light Panel, children can watch colourful reflections and trace them. This activity blends sensory observation with creative expression.

5. Emotion Palette

Assigning colours to emotions helps children express feelings visually, combining emotional literacy with mindful creative play.

6. Nature and Reflection

Adding leaves or petals to the tray creates reflective nature collages. Children learn to observe textures, shapes and colours while enjoying the enhanced visual effect of reflections.

7. Abstract and Three-Dimensional Play

Children can build freeform patterns or stack gems to create 3D designs. The mirrored surface highlights symmetry, colour and depth, encouraging attention to process over product.

8. Letting Go

Photographing or drawing completed designs before scattering the gems teaches children to appreciate the process rather than focusing on the final result, promoting mindfulness and creative resilience.

Why tickit Gem Circle Mirror Trays Promote Mindfulness

The combination of colourful tactile gems and reflective surfaces allows children to experiment with pattern, symmetry, balance and light. These activities enhance focus, emotional awareness and calmness, whether used at home, in classrooms or therapy sessions.

Mindfulness in arts and crafts can be simple to introduce. The tickit Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays encourage children to explore colour, form and reflection at their own pace, fostering calm, creativity and confidence through open-ended play.