Invitations

Lately I have begun putting out "invitations" to projects/activities/work that I think might interest Q.  For example she's been very motivated to cut things lately, so I made this simple cutting work and left it out next to her scissors on her writing table in the kitchen.  Other times I leave out a basket of blocks I know she enjoys but hasn't used in a while--she goes downstairs and plays a bit in the mornings before everyone else wakes up--so I left the blocks right at the end of the stairs where she'd be sure to see it.  When I came downstairs there was a lovely creation she'd made! 
When she was younger I used to do this same thing in her room.  I'd leave out a puzzle or books or other items I knew she'd be excited to see and work with when she awoke in the morning.  It gave me a few more minutes of sleep and her some great independent play time. 
These days I leave work on her art table, her writing table, playroom floor (perhaps a dress up outfit draped across the doll cradle where she'll be sure to see it) and she loves discovering something I've set out for her.
This is a gentle, inviting and simple way to help direct and motivate children to work on a particular project you know would be good for their current skill/development level.  Of course a nice presentation makes it all the more appealing, so I try to do that when I can!