Hello Families!
Students are learning and practicing using their words to express themselves if they are feeling sad or mad.
Example: A friend takes away a toy or says something mean to them. First, they may need to calm down. It also helps to identify the feeling they are having. You can help with this by asking, “How are you feeling?” Or: “You look sad/angry.” This helps to build a connection because the child feels “heard.” Then they can use their words.
You can play-act and pretend a friend grabs a toy from them.
1) Ask your child:
* How does that make you feel?
* What can you do?
2) Help them calm down.
* Take a deep breath.
* Count out loud: 1, 2, 3, 4
3) Now they can use their words. Here is an example. Key words are underlined.
* Sam, I feel sad/mad
* When you take my toy
* I want you to play nicely with me/ask for a turn/etc.
Children are also learning how to ask for what they want:
* Suzie, may I please have a turn?
* Julien, can I please use the marker?
Have fun with this!
Ellen Maranca, IMS Substitute School Social Worker
Students are learning and practicing using their words to express themselves if they are feeling sad or mad.
Example: A friend takes away a toy or says something mean to them. First, they may need to calm down. It also helps to identify the feeling they are having. You can help with this by asking, “How are you feeling?” Or: “You look sad/angry.” This helps to build a connection because the child feels “heard.” Then they can use their words.
You can play-act and pretend a friend grabs a toy from them.
1) Ask your child:
* How does that make you feel?
* What can you do?
2) Help them calm down.
* Take a deep breath.
* Count out loud: 1, 2, 3, 4
3) Now they can use their words. Here is an example. Key words are underlined.
* Sam, I feel sad/mad
* When you take my toy
* I want you to play nicely with me/ask for a turn/etc.
Children are also learning how to ask for what they want:
* Suzie, may I please have a turn?
* Julien, can I please use the marker?
Have fun with this!
Ellen Maranca, IMS Substitute School Social Worker