Grouchy Party
Help children to understand the feelings of others through this interactive storybook.
- Read the story together, then ask kids how Oscar’s feelings differ from his friends’. You might say, “How do you think Elmo would feel if he got a sardine cake on his birthday? How would you feel? What treat would make you (or me, or a sibling) feel happy?”
- Point out that Oscar’s friends care about him and how he feels, even if his feelings are different from theirs. All feelings are okay, even grouchiness!
- After reading, encourage kids to tell their own emoji story. Using a phone or computer, challenge kids to find emojis that show each character’s feelings as you go along (you can start with the classic “Once upon a time…”). Kids can choose symbols for important events, too. How many different feelings can they include? When you finish, you might even share the story with a loved one in a text or e-mail. Can they name all the feelings?
Using Your Words
A coloring page helping children explore words for big feelings.
Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.
Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.
Cookie Monster’s Beach Day
When children are in the hospital, their imagination can become a valuable tool in soothing themselves.
Monster Meltdown
Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.
Toddler Tips: Meltdowns
Strategies for during and after a meltdown…and even some ways meltdowns might be avoided.
Listen, Feel, and See with Elmo
When children are in the hospital, this mindfulness game can help them soothe themselves.
