Acknowledgements - gapitc

Facing Our Feelings
Read a book such as How are you Peeling? by Joost Effers to begin a discussion
about feelings.
Draw a face on two paper plates—one with a big smile, and one with a frown
and tears.
Using a favorite stuffed animal, tell a few situations that have happened to it. Ask
your child to choose a paper plate face to show how she thinks the stuffed animal
feels. A few examples might be:
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Teddy’s Grandma came to visit and they made cookies together
Teddy’s kitty ran outside and Teddy cannot find it
Teddy found the lost kitty
Teddy’s sister broke Teddy’s favorite toy car
Teddy’s mommy came to school to read a story to the whole class
Talk about a situation that happened to your child and ask her to pick a paper
plate face that shows how she felt.
Water Wonders
Invite a friend or sibling to play with your child.
Make some soapy water in a large pan or tub and take it outside.
Give the children items such as kitchen spoons, measuring cups, a funnel, and a
sponge.
Watch them splash and play together as they enjoy the water play.
For safety, never leave children unattended around water.
Working it Out with Words
Developmental Tip
Water play often has a soothing effect on children. Try it when
your child needs to calm down.
Find a place in your house where two children can sit facing each other.
When your child and a friend or sibling disagree about something, have them
sit face to face while you help each one use words to tell about the problem.
Calmly guide them to find a solution. Usually, with three year olds, the
“conversation” will be brief and the solution will be something simple such
as “take turns” or “share.”
Encourage the children to shake hands when they’ve come to an agreement.
This is a way to begin teaching children to solve conflicts.
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