tickit Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays: Enhance Learning and Mindfulness through play
The tickit Gem Cube and tickit Gem Circle Mirror Trays are visually striking and tactile resources designed to support creativity, mindfulness and educational development. Their colourful, smooth pieces engage children in sensory-rich play that encourages focus, calm and imaginative exploration. These products allow schools, nurseries and home learning environments to provide children with hands-on experiences that develop concentration, emotional regulation and creative thinking.
Creative mindfulness through tactile play offers children a unique opportunity to slow down, explore and engage fully with materials. When children manipulate the colourful Gem Cubes or arrange the pieces in the Gem Circle Mirror Tray, they enter an absorbing state of focus. This type of play supports emotional regulation, concentration and confidence. The tactile quality of the pieces makes the experience soothing and satisfying, allowing children to become fully immersed in the creative process.
The mirrored base of each tray enhances both the visual appeal and educational value of the activity. Reflections provide depth, symmetry and new perspectives, encouraging children to observe patterns, angles and spatial relationships. These features make every activity both absorbing and calming, providing an ideal environment for focused, mindful learning. Children can experiment freely, gaining confidence in their choices and learning through trial and observation.
How Schools Are Using tickit Gem Trays to Support Learning and Creativity
“The Gem Cube Mirror Tray lends itself to sculptural exploration while also experimenting with colour combinations. Sculpture can be challenging in early years and Key Stage 1, where clay is often too difficult for developing fine motor skills. The geometric properties of the Gem Cubes enable children to create meaningful sculptures with less focus on dexterity and more freedom to be creative.”
“The mirrored base supports open-ended learning in symmetry, angles, reflection, pattern and perspective, covering curriculum objectives from EYFS through Key Stage 2.”
- Rachel Comfort, Primary School Teacher, Skinners Primary School, Kent, UK
Designed for Sustainability and Longevity
tickit products are crafted with purpose. The Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays are made from FSC-certified wood and built to last, providing durable, high-quality tools that support classroom learning for years. Their beauty, tactile appeal and reflective surfaces make them a valuable investment for educational settings seeking resources that promote creativity, mindfulness and curriculum-linked skills.
Eight Ways to Use tickit Gem Mirror Trays in Education
1. Colour Breathing Mandalas
Children select gem colours and create circular mandalas while matching their breath to each placement. This activity supports mindfulness, symmetry awareness and colour recognition while helping children develop focus and patience.
2. Mirror Reflections
By constructing only half of a design, children observe the mirror reflecting the pattern to form a complete, symmetrical artwork. This enhances spatial reasoning, balance and attention to detail while providing a calming, absorbing experience.
3. Calm Colour Gradients
Sorting gems into gradual colour sequences teaches colour theory while promoting careful observation and mindful concentration.
4. Light Meditation Art
Using natural sunlight, a lamp or a tickit Light Panel, children can explore reflections cast by the gems. This links visual sensory exploration with creative expression and mindfulness, encouraging observation and engagement.
5. Emotion Palette
Children can assign colours to different emotions to create visual representations of their feelings. This activity encourages emotional literacy while supporting creative exploration and reflective play.
6. Nature and Reflection
Adding leaves, petals or other natural materials to the tray transforms it into a reflective, tactile nature collage. Children become more aware of textures, shapes and colours while engaging in absorbing, sensory-rich activities.
7. Gentle Pattern Flow and Abstract Art
Children build abstract patterns or three-dimensional structures with the gems. The mirrored base amplifies the colours and symmetry, encouraging children to focus on the process rather than the outcome and enjoy mindful, calm play.
8. Letting Go
After completing a design, children can photograph or draw it before resetting the tray. This simple practice encourages non-attachment and reinforces mindfulness while promoting creative exploration and sensory engagement.
Educational and Mindfulness Benefits
The Gem Circle and Cube Mirror Trays are designed to be visually appealing, tactile and absorbing. They encourage children to slow down, focus and explore in a calm, mindful way. The sensory qualities of the materials make the experience soothing, helping to regulate emotions and build concentration. These trays are suitable for classrooms, therapy sessions and home learning, offering open-ended opportunities for creative, mindful play.
These gem trays offer educational and home settings access to high-quality and tactile resources that encourage creative mindfulness across different age-ranges and subjects. Their beauty, sensory appeal and reflective storage trays make them perfect for calming play that supports focus, emotional regulation and imaginative learning. Children can engage in open-ended exploration that encourages discovery, creativity and self-confidence, making the tickit Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays a valuable addition to any learning environment.