Literacy First™ February Parent Ideas

Happy February!

This month we are going to be doing some exciting activities at school, and we want you to be a part of the fun! This month’s theme is FEELINGS, so your child will be hearing new stories about feelings like sadness, anger, worry, happiness, and love. Through a variety of classroom activities, your child will learn how to build stronger relationships, understand and cope with feelings appropriately as well other important social skills.

You can extend the learning at home with a few simple and fun activities. Check out these PARENT IDEAS for some ways you can engage with your child at home. Make it fun!

Space to Chill: In the classroom, children will be encouraged to use a “space to chill”, which is a modern twist on the time-out area. Create a safe space in your home where children can take some space and time to think about what happened and how they feel. Encourage children to go to that space when they feel frustrated, angry, sad, or upset. When your child is ready to reengage with you, talk about what happened, the feelings, and how he/she coped with the situation.
Punching Pillow: When children feel frustrated or angry, they need a physical outlet for the feelings. Offer them a special pillow to punch, kick, squeeze, bite, or whatever they need to do to release negative feelings in an appropriate way. When your child is calm, talk about what happened.
Puppets: Use action figure toys, stuffed animals, or puppets to practice how people can tell each other how they feel. Encourage your child to use a voice for each character. Ask, “How do you think Batman feel when Dora said she didn’t want to play that game?” Encourage children to use I statements to show what Batman might say, “I feel sad when you won’t play with me.” Help the characters talk it out. Dora can hear, and validate Batman’s feelings without having to give in.
Feeling Chart: In the classroom, children often identify different feelings on a Feeling Chart (included in this letter pack). You can use one at home too. Post it in your child’s room or on the fridge and periodically check in with your child about how he/she feels. Remind them that all feelings are okay, feelings change often, and he/she can always talk to you about feelings. Help identify the feelings and share your feelings appropriately with children, too.