Let’s Play: A Children’s Activity Book
Movement games, drawing activities and, a storybook for children in crisis.
Just like all children everywhere, children in crisis situations need to play, move, and feel at ease. These pages are filled with movement games, drawing activities, and a storybook for you to share with children one-on-one, in small groups, or in large groups. They don’t require any materials except for pencils (children can use crayons, but they’re not necessary).
You know the needs of the children in your setting best, so use these pages in any way that will help:
- Print and copy all the pages for children and staple into booklets, or just choose specific pages you want to share with children.
- Sit with an especially withdrawn child and begin working on a page yourself, slowly inviting them to “help” you.
- Work with a small group of children as they complete a page. Let them share with each other what they’ve done.
- Pair younger children with older buddies to help them complete the pages.
- Talk with children and ask questions about what they’ve drawn.
- Praise all their efforts.
- Help them write their names somewhere on the front or backs of the pages, or do so for them. Depending on children’s ages, you might write their names lightly in pencil and invite them to trace over the letters.
- Help children find a safe place to keep their work, or display it (if possible).
Creating Feelings of Strength and Confidence
A focused movement activity that builds confidence and a sense of groundedness.
Abby's Broken Wand
A storybook featuring strategies to help children cope with big feelings.
Slow Down & Settle Down
Parents and children can share ways they calm and soothe themselves. This video provides more self-care ideas.
Learning How to Count, Breathe, Relax
Small things can set kids off, but you can teach them a self-soothing breathing exercise to use on their own.
It’s Not Easy Being Green
A song about being ourselves.
Feeling Safe
In order for healing to begin, it’s critical that kids feel protected and safe.
Helping Children Make Meaning After Trauma with Chandra Ghosh Ippen
Learn how young children experience trauma and what can help with Sesame Workshop’s Tara Wright, and clinical psychologist and author Chandra Ghosh Ippen.
