In this class, we will cover a variety of basic, age appropriate social skills, such as focusing attention, following directions, waiting our turn, being aware of and sensitive to others, getting along with and playing well with others. We will also learn about emotions: the role they play in our life, how we can recognize them in ourselves and in others, how we can calm ourselves down when we are feeling big emotions, and how we can help others who are feeling big emotions. We will also discuss how to deal with bullying. Details of what we will discuss in each class are listed below.

Session 1
Being Attentive
Following Directions

Materials Needed: Two (2) Empty Toilet Paper Rolls; Crayons or Markers; 

Session 2
Learning Patience
Waiting my Turn

Materials Needed: 10-12 Small Treats such as Fruit Snacks, Gummies, M&Ms or Skittles*

Session 3
Feelings are Okay
Recognizing Feelings
Naming Feelings

Materials: One (1) Piece of white paper (approximately 8 1/2"" x 11); One (1) piece each of red, yellow, blue, and green paper (at least 5"x5"); Glue or glue stick; child safe scissors

Session 4
Managing Strong Feelings
Flipping Your Lid
Calming Techniques

Materials Needed: 1 piece of white paper (8 1/2" x 11"); crayons or markers

Session 5
Mixed up Feelings
Sorting Through Mixed up Feelings

Materials Needed: 5 Clear Cups; Food Coloring; Water

Session 6
Recognizing Strong Feelings in Others
How to Help Others
Asking Others if You Can Join Their Play
Inviting Others to Join Your Play

Materials: Plain Piece of Paper (approximately 8 1/2" x 11"); Crayons or Markers

Session 7
Playing Well with Others
Sharing
Handling Arguments

Materials Needed: Small Mirror; Stuffed Animal


Session 8
Bullying

Materials Needed: Plain Paper (Approximately 8 1/2 x 11); Pencil, crayon or marker


I begin each of my classes with a greeting. During the greeting, each child will introduce themselves to the others in the class, by saying, "My name is ......" They will also be asked to share something, such as their favorite color. Then, the rest of the class will greet them, by saying "Welcome ......." This is a very important part of my classes because it immediately makes every child know that they are an important part of the class. It also sets the foundation for trust and respect within the class. We will do this each day, but with a different prompt.

After our greeting, we will jump in with a mixture of teaching, discussion, singing and hands-on activities. I incorporate a great deal of student interaction in my class and encourage sharing. I am used to learners getting off-topic, at this age. So, please don't let that bother you. I will redirect as needed.  If there is a lot of background noise, or if a child becomes too disruptive to our class discussions, I will mute and then unmute them when they want to share. I prefer physical hand-raising, since most children at this age have a hard time using the Zoom hand. 

I prefer learners keep their cameras on, due to the nature of this class. However, I also understand that there are many reasons why your child may not feel comfortable being on camera. If your child does not want to be on camera, please let know. I certainly do not want any child to not take this class because of camera issues.

No prior knowledge is necessary to take this class.