Comfort Container
Help children take a quiet moment alone and soothe themselves.
Watch the video together. Explain that when we’ve having a big feeling, there are a lot of ways we can take care of ourselves. Big Bird uses his comfort container; talk about some of the things he has in it.
To make your own comfort container, invite children to decorate a box or bag (the size and material will depend on what you put in it; a bag like a backpack allows children to carry it from place to place). You might add:
- squeezy ball
- crayons and paper
- fidget spinner
- storybooks
- blanket
- photos of loved ones
- stuffed animal or doll
- fabrics of differing textures
- a small instrument like a kazoo
- bubble wrap to pop
- pinwheel for breathing exercise (breathe in deeply through the nose then exhale slowly out the mouth to make the pinwheel move)
When children are having a big feeling or a hard time, offer or suggest their comfort container and ask whether they’d like to spend a few minutes alone or whether they’d like you to stay with them, like Big Bird’s Granny stayed with him.
Listen to Understand
Elmo and Abby learn that pausing to listen helps them work as a team.
Too Many Cooks
Elmo and friends learn that sharing roles helps playtime go smoothly.
We Can Do Hard Things Song
A song that reminds us that we can keep trying to do hard things
A Time to Talk
Grown-ups work together to help Elmo manage big feelings with care.
Zoe’s Get Well Basket
Help children understand that being kind is one way to be a friend.
Elijah Explains Stop, Notice, Think
Elijah introduces a strategy for conflict resolution.
Wes and Friends Build a City
Help children take other’s perspectives.
