Social Emotional Resources and Calming Strategies
During times of challenge and uncertainty, it’s natural for both children and adults to feel heightened nerves, anxiety, or fear. Calming strategies can be powerful tools to bring a sense of comfort and control when things feel overwhelming. One of the simplest and most effective strategies is deep breathing, which research shows helps activate the body’s relaxation response. By slowing your breath, you send signals to your brain and body that it’s safe to relax, lowering stress hormones and helping muscles release tension.
Our Calming Strategies Cards are an easy way to bring moments of peace wherever you are. Print them out, keep them in your bag, or share them with your family as a quick reminder to pause and breathe. Whether it’s taking a deep breath “like you are smelling a flower” or “blowing out birthday candles,” these cards are ready to help children and adults alike find calm in the moment.
Talking About Big Feelings with the Emotions Poster
Big feelings like fear, sadness, or worry are completely natural during times of upheaval. The Emotions Poster is a helpful tool to open conversations about these feelings. Use it to help children name their emotions and know that it’s okay to feel this way. By saying, “It’s normal to feel this, and I’m here for you,” you can reassure them and show that emotions are part of our human experience—even in difficult times.
Making New Connections with the Greetings Poster
When families are displaced, meeting new people can feel intimidating. The Greetings Poster offers simple and friendly ways to greet others, helping children and adults make meaningful connections. Whether it’s a wave, a smile, or a kind “hello,” these small gestures can open the door to new relationships and build a sense of community in unfamiliar places.
Remember: Calming strategies, emotional expression, and meaningful connections are tools that help us navigate challenges with resilience and hope. By practicing these skills, you’re helping yourself and your children find comfort and strength, no matter the circumstances. Together, we can embrace the small steps that bring calm, connection, and positivity.
Reading with children is a comforting and powerful way to connect, build trust, and offer guidance during challenging times. Research shows that shared reading not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also provides children with emotional reassurance and tools to process their experiences. Books open up safe spaces for imagination, curiosity, and problem-solving while helping children see the world—and themselves—in new ways.
The Strategy Cards offer guidance on how to read with little ones, making these moments even more impactful. With simple prompts and tips, you can bring stories to life, engage your child, and encourage meaningful conversations.
Here’s a look at how some of these wonderful books can help support children:
Select the image to access the E-Book.
Big Idea: Believing in themselves. This book encourages children to see their own unique strengths, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Reading it together reminds them that they are capable and special, even in uncertain times.
Big Idea: Emotions. Help children navigate big feelings with this relatable story. By reading about Abby’s emotions, children learn it’s okay to feel crabby, sad, or scared—and that those feelings are normal and manageable.
Big Idea: Making new friends in a displaced area.
This book gently explores the joys and challenges of forming new friendships, providing children with ideas for connecting with others in their new environment.
Big Idea: It’s okay to wonder and question things. Encourage curiosity and open-ended thinking with this story. It helps children see that wondering and asking questions are natural ways to make sense of the world around them.
Big Idea: Different families. This book celebrates the diversity of families, helping children understand and appreciate that families can look different, especially during times of upheaval.
Big Idea: Rules to follow. Reggie’s story reinforces the importance of following safety rules, providing clear and relatable examples for children to apply in their daily lives.
Big Idea: Creativity and resourcefulness. This story sparks ideas for creative art projects using simple, everyday items—perfect for fostering creativity and fun, even in a displaced area.
Big Idea: Imagination. Inspire imaginative play with this fun story about turning a simple sock into something extraordinary. It’s a reminder that creativity has no limits, even during difficult times.
Here you can find free access to our Pre-K at Home portal to support families seeking educational materials and engaging activities for their young learners. Inside, you’ll find learning resources, videos, songs, and books in both English and Spanish—all designed to nurture joyful learning at home. No sign-up or registration is required; simply explore and enjoy these tools with your child.
If you are an administrator, teacher, or early childhood professional seeking additional support or resources, we’re here to help! We may be able to provide complimentary access to digital curriculum, professional development, and print materials to support your teaching needs. Please complete this additional support request form and a Frog Street representative will reach out to you shortly.