Making It Work
An interactive game that helps children build flexibility.
Help children play this game in which Julia and friends must choose different ways to respond to disappointments, surprises, and changes… and somehow “make it work.” (First, of course, they practice a calming strategy!)
Make new choices each time you play the game. You can also:
- Ask children, “How do your friends on Sesame Street feel when things don’t go according to plan? Have you ever had big feelings like that?” Talk about specific times when they themselves have felt frustrated, annoyed, or angry.
- Brainstorm ideas for calming down. Start with the ways Elmo and his friends use: popping bubbles, finding shapes, taking deep breaths. Together, think of other strategies that might help. Hugging a favorite toy? Putting on music? Make a list, using words and pictures, that can be used next time children need to work out big feelings.
Lots of Ways to Connect
This music video features Julia, Elmo, Ji-Young, and Zoe as they celebrate the many ways friends can connect with each other.
Lots of Ways to Be Kind
Julia and Elmo welcome a new friend to their classroom, each in their own way.
Lots of Ways to Participate
Julia and Elmo participate in story time, each in their own way.
Sing and Color with Julia
Use this page to sing along with Julia and her friends.
Ways To Be Kind
A drawing activity that celebrates the many ways to be a kind friend.
Friends Help Each Other
Elmo helps Julia get ready for a fire drill at school.
Building Inclusive Spaces: Tips for Supporting Our Neurodivergent Learners
An article to help parents and educators plan for success when designing inclusive activities for autistic and neurotypical children in group settings.
