Nearly everyone in the world right now is having to face new challenges and work through difficult emotions. As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, it is causing people to experience feelings of stress, anger, worry, and sadness. These emotions can be hard for anyone to work through, but they can be especially difficult for young children who are still learning how to process their emotions. The following learning activity is designed to help children identify the emotions they are experiencing and find healthy ways to work through them.
Activity Name: Squirmy Worm Feelings Tool
Learning Objective: Children will learn to identify their feelings and practice healthy coping strategies.
Age group: This activity was designed for children four years and older. However, younger children can also participate with some extra support.
Age group: This activity was designed for children four years and older. However, younger children can also participate with some extra support.
Materials:
- Paper
- Any type of drawing utensil
- (Optional) Playdough
- (Optional) Bubble solution
Activity Description:
The first half of the activity involves watching a short-story with your child. I recorded a video with a puppet named Squirmy Worm, which I have linked below. Squirmy Worm has been feeling very upset since the coronavirus started. In this video, we talk about what the coronavirus is and how Squirmy is feeling about it. We then come up with some different strategies Squirmy can use to help him when he is feeling upset. The idea is to show children it's okay to feel upset about the coronavirus and to give them coping tools.
The second half of the activity is where children get to practice identifying feelings and expressing them in a healthy way. The idea is to create two sets of cards. The first stack of cards identifies different feelings. Here is an example I made with clipart.
The other stack of cards contains different ideas for how to deal with those feelings. One example might be a card that shows blowing bubbles to practice taking deep breaths.
I have attached a pdf file with a few cards I made if you would like a pre-made version.
Printable Cards Link
However, this is a great opportunity for you and your child to create cards that are tailored to their needs and interests. Start by cutting squares of paper and draw or have your child draw different emotions on each one. Then decide on some activities that you and your child think would help them when they are feeling upset. Draw these activities on separate pieces of paper. You can make as many or as few cards as you want.
Here is an example of a homemade version that I created using paper and markers.
Once your cards are made, you are ready to start using the tool. This activity will probably work best if you show children how to use it while they are calm so, they are prepared to use it when they are upset. To start the activity, help your child figure out which of the feelings cards matches their current emotions. You can help them label and understand their feelings by saying things such as it looks like you are feeling really mad right now. Once your child identifies their emotions, you can move on to how they want to handle their feelings. Help them to choose from the different pictures of activities they can try. You can offer prompts such as what would you like to do with your mad feelings? Would you like to try squishing some playdough or blowing some bubbles? Once your child has decided on an activity, help them get set up with it. Continue to try different activities until your child is feeling calm again.
Calming Activity Ideas
The calming activities you choose to put on your cards are really up to you and your child. So feel free to use whatever works best for you. Some general ideas include...
Playing Music
Some children may find music and/or dancing helps cheer them up or calm them down. I have linked some free music for children down below. However, feel free to use whatever music your child likes best.
The world is chaotic right now, and everyone is feeling the stress. I hope you enjoy trying this activity and that it brings a little bit of relaxation to you and your children during this stressful time.
Printable Cards Link
However, this is a great opportunity for you and your child to create cards that are tailored to their needs and interests. Start by cutting squares of paper and draw or have your child draw different emotions on each one. Then decide on some activities that you and your child think would help them when they are feeling upset. Draw these activities on separate pieces of paper. You can make as many or as few cards as you want.
Here is an example of a homemade version that I created using paper and markers.
Once your cards are made, you are ready to start using the tool. This activity will probably work best if you show children how to use it while they are calm so, they are prepared to use it when they are upset. To start the activity, help your child figure out which of the feelings cards matches their current emotions. You can help them label and understand their feelings by saying things such as it looks like you are feeling really mad right now. Once your child identifies their emotions, you can move on to how they want to handle their feelings. Help them to choose from the different pictures of activities they can try. You can offer prompts such as what would you like to do with your mad feelings? Would you like to try squishing some playdough or blowing some bubbles? Once your child has decided on an activity, help them get set up with it. Continue to try different activities until your child is feeling calm again.
Calming Activity Ideas
The calming activities you choose to put on your cards are really up to you and your child. So feel free to use whatever works best for you. Some general ideas include...
Playing Music
Some children may find music and/or dancing helps cheer them up or calm them down. I have linked some free music for children down below. However, feel free to use whatever music your child likes best.
Squish Playdough
Squishing, rolling, and pulling playdough or putty may help calm some children. If you don't have playdough at home, it is very easy to make. The following link has a simple no-bake recipe using flour, salt, and water.
Yoga
Some children may find that stretching their bodies and taking deep breaths helps them feel better. I have linked a short yoga video as well as a website that shows different yoga poses to try with your child.
Blowing Bubbles
Blowing bubbles requires children to take deep breaths, which can have a calming effect. If you don't have bubble solution, you can make a homemade version by stirring 1/2 cup of a liquid soap such as dish detergent and three cups of water together. Pour a small amount into a bowl or shallow dish to dip the bubble wand in. You can make a bubble wand using basic household objects. I used a metal ring from a mason jar and a ring that holds my measuring spoons together. You could also use a kitchen strainer with large holes, or a bangle style bracelet. Really anything with large holes in it will work.
The world is chaotic right now, and everyone is feeling the stress. I hope you enjoy trying this activity and that it brings a little bit of relaxation to you and your children during this stressful time.
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