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.
Our Quiet Corner
Sesame friends use a special space to handle big feelings safely.
How Am I Feeling? Poster
Use pictures and simple words to help children notice and name feelings.
We Can Do Hard Things Lyric Sheet
Sing along to the words to a powerful song about persistence.
It Takes a Village
Honest conversations with all the adults in a child’s circle of care can set everyone up for success!
Adult Teamwork in Children's Tough Moments
When it comes to supporting little ones with big feelings, providers and caregivers work better together!
A Day to Play
Color a page of Sesame moments that encourage teamwork and invite reflection!
Together Time
Color a page of Sesame moments that encourage teamwork and invite reflection!
