Wanting to hear - Can We Do More, Mom? then try Mind Benders

Picture this....a young boy doing his daily school work at his desk.  You're working with him on science. The 'deer in the headlights syndrome' is taking over. (In case you aren't familiar with this syndrome, the symptoms include but are not limited to:  slouched shoulders; head propped up with hand; eyes open but staring off into space, then rolling into the back of the eyelids; excessive, almost debilitating yawns; followed by loud snoring. (only slightly kidding here).   Bottom line - you are losing your student. 

You look at the clock, see that lunchtime is approaching, realize that the brain sitting before you needs to WAKE UP!, and you say something like, "Let's do some of these activities just before we break for lunch."  Miraculously, the half-dead, zombie-like student that slouched before you moments before is now wide-eyed, smiling, and awake.  His pencil is gripped firmly in his hand anticipating the unfolding of the book, and the sound of an enthusiastic, "Whoopee!" fills the air. (still only slightly kidding)

What, you ask, could elicit such a reaction?