Listen to Understand
Elmo and Abby learn that pausing to listen helps them work as a team.
Together with children, watch this video in which Elmo and Abby work through a disagreement by pausing to listen. For two friends with different ideas, it can be hard to share supplies! With the help of Ms. Jennifer’s calming presence, gentle observation, and open-ended questions, Elmo and Abby work together to create a structure anyone can enjoy. As you watch, you may invite children in your care to think of ways they can build AND decide together!
- Invite children to work in pairs or small groups to build with blocks, encouraging each child to share their ideas before building begins (“What do you want to make?”).
- Model taking a slow breath and say, “Let’s listen to understand,” before responding during a disagreement or choice-making moment.
- After one child shares an idea, ask another child to repeat or show what they heard using words or gestures (“You want it big,” “You want it tall”).
Being able to take a moment to hear what others want while expressing what children may need helps everyone feel understood and work as a team.
Body Break
A quick, playful body break helps children reset by moving, stretching, and breathing to feel calmer, more focused, and ready for what’s next.
Rosita’s Family Quilt
By adding the shirt to their family quilt, Rosita learns how memories, change, and love can turn something broken into something beautiful.
Feeling Your Best
Grover learns that moving his body helps him feel happy and strong.
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.
Kindness Comes in Many Forms
Big Bird and Felix discuss Big Bird’s gift for Oscar.
Social Connection Volunteer Guide
Guide with activity suggestions that boost social connection.
