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La provision de bisous de Zou par Michel Gay, ISBN 879-2-211-09234-0

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Zou s'apprête à partir en colonie de vacances. Il veut à tout prix éviter de faire bébé, mais en même temps, il sait que tous ses bisous quotidiens vont lui manquer : ceux du soir, ceux du matin, ceux pour rien. Ses parents ont l'idée de lui confectionner une énorme provision de bisous. Zou n'aura qu'à ouvrir sa boîte quand il se sentira seul. Mais la boîte réserve une surprise.

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Antonin ne veut pas se séparer de sa maman pour aller à l'école. Sa maman pose tendrement un bisou dans sa main, en lui disant qu'il sera toujours à portée s'il s'ennuie trop d'elle. L'auteure aborde le sujet délicat de la séparation d'un enfant et d'un parent - qu'elle soit temporaire ou permanente. Les mots d'Audrey Penn sauront rassurer les enfants qui craignent de se séparer de leurs parents, que ce soit lors de leur entrée à la garderie ou à l'école, ou avant de passer une nuit chez des amis. Célébrant son dixième anniversaire, cet album est toujours d'actualité pour rappeler aux petits que quoi qu'il arrive, ils auront toujours l'amour indéfectible de leurs parents.

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When Fuzzy was afraid of losing his mother

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When Fuzzy was afraid of losing his mother

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When Fuzzy was Afraid of Losing His Mother by Inger Maier, ISBN 978-1-59147-169-1

One day while Fuzzy raced with his friends, he fell and skinned his little sheep knees. Big tears ran down his face, and he ran to look for his mother. "Ma-a-ah!"

He looked and looks, but he couldn't find her. "I'm scared. Where are you?" he cried.

While Fuzzy the Little Sheep is out playing with his friends, he falls and skins his knee. He searches for his mother, can't find her, and feels scared and alone. Fuzzy soon finds his mom, but then he is afraid to let her out of his sight. Fuzzy's mother has several ideas to help him cope with being away from her, which he practices, and eventually he is able to play comfortably with his friends and not be near her.

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When fuzzy was afraid of losing is mother

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Invisible String by Patrice Karst, ISBN 978-0-316-48623-1

ABOUT

With over a million copies sold, this accessible, bestselling picture book phenomenon about the unbreakable connections between loved ones has healed a generation of readers--children and adults alike--and has been updated with new illustrations and an afterword from the author. Also available: Spanish edition (El hilo invisible)and a companion workbook (The Invisible String Workbook).

Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declaredThe Invisible Stringthe perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they''re all connected by an invisible string. "That''s impossible!" the children insist, but still they want to know more: "What kind of string?" The answer is the simple truth that binds us all:An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can''t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love.Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.

Recommended and adopted by parenting blogs, bereavement support groups, hospice centers, foster care and social service agencies, military library services, church groups, and educators,The Invisible Stringoffers a very simple approach to overcoming loneliness, separation, or loss with an imaginative twist that children easily understand and embrace, and delivers a particularly compelling message in today''s uncertain times. This special paperback edition includes vibrant new illustrations and an introduction from the author.

"This book is a beautiful way to begin to try, as parents, to instill in children the impenetrable power of the heart, the energy of love, and the flow that can be felt from the grace in every moment." --Tony Robbins

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Workbook
The Invisible String Workbook : Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm and Connect by Patrice Karst and Dana Wyss, ISBN 978-0-316-52491-9

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Le fil Invisible                        Lien d'attachement 

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Le fil Invisible                        Lien d'attachement 

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Parents, enseignants, psychologues et travailleurs sociaux sont tous du même avis : Le fil invisible est l'outil parfait pour faire face à toutes sortes de situations telles que l'anxiété de séparation, la solitude et le deuil. Dans cette histoire réconfortante, une mère explique à ses deux enfants qu'ils sont reliés par un fil invisible. Les enfants pensent que c'est impossible, mais ils veulent tout de même savoir de quel genre de fil il s'agit. La réponse est une évidence bien simple qui nous unit tous : ce fil invisible est fait d'amour. Même si on ne peut pas le voir, on peut le sentir au fond de notre cour et savoir qu'on est toujours liés à ceux qu'on aime. Cet album touchant, qui s'adresse aux jeunes de tous âges, permet d'explorer les liens intangibles, mais indestructibles qui nous unissent les uns aux autres, en plus d'entamer des discussions plus profondes sur l'amour.

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Activity:1.	Sharing of things they enjoy doing with mom and dad – these memories help them feel connected.2.	Bring in protos to make a collage, they can go look at this when they miss mom/dad/family etc...

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Activity:1.	Sharing of things they enjoy doing with mom and dad – these memories help them feel connected.2.	Bring in protos to make a collage, they can go look at this when they miss mom/dad/family etc...

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When I Miss You by Cornelia Maude Spelman, ISBN 978-0-8075-8903-8
Young children often experience anxiety when they are separated from their mothers or fathers. In this story a young guinea pig expresses her distress when her mother and father go away. But she eventually finds ways to deal with

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Activity:

1.       For each student to bring in 2-3 objects from home that bring them comfort and they can hold when they mis mom/dad/family, etc.

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Mommy in My Pocket by Carol Hunt Senderak, ISBN978-0-7868-5596-4
In this reassuring tale about a mother's love, a little girl is nervous about leaving her mom on the first day of school. However, she lets her imagination run wild and pictures a day with Mommy in her pocket. Full color.

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Activity:

1.       Have note or picture of parent to keep in pocket as an emotional reference point. Or, make a necklace that can be ‘filled with hugs & kisses’ by parent prior to sending the child off to school.

fit!

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First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, ISBN 978-0-58089-061-8

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Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending.

Fun, energetic illustrations brighten page after page with the busy antics surrounding Sarah Jane. FIRST DAY JITTERS is an enchanting story that is sure to be treasured by anyone who has ever anticipated a first day of school.

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Activity:

1.       Have students share how they felt on the first day – make links of ‘sameness’ to help them see/feel that they are not alone to have a wide range of emotions on the first days/weeks of school.

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Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee, ISBN 0-15-205586-x

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It's just ten days before kindergarten, and this little girl has heard all there is to know--from a first grader--about what it's going to be like. You can't bring your cat, you can't bring a stuffed animal, and the number one rule? You can't ask anyone for help. Ever. So what do you do when your shoes come untied, if you're the only one in the class who doesn't know how to tie them up again?
Told with gentle humor by Alison McGhee and brought to exuberant life by New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss, this lighthearted take on pre-kindergarten anxiety will bring a smile to the face of every child--and parent--having first-day jitters

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Activity:

1.Name things that you’re looking forward to doing and learning in Kindergarten

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The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn ISBN 0-590-04701-9

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ABOUT

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester''s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children''s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

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Activity :

1.       What are some of the things you are enjoying at school? What have you discovered at school?

2.       Make some ‘cut outs’ of hands – have students trace their hands, cut them out and fill them with kisses – share with parents, and family members. Have parents fill them up again for the next day at school.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avj4aRHwAYo

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ABOUT

Experience a child’s view of the world in this extraordinarily imaginative picture book about maps—now with a fresh new cover look!
"An imaginative, child-centered title that should be examined and enjoyed, and one that will also make a wonderful springboard for teachers introducing the concepts of mapping or autobiography," said School Library Journal.
In each spread of this bold and humorous picture book, children can examine their place in the world around them through detailed and engaging maps that are drawn from a child''s perspective.
Twelve beautifully illustrated maps, such as Map of My Day and Map of My Family, will fascinate children, teaching about both mapping and telling one''s story. Perfect for the curious and artsy, these maps are a creative introduction to recording, mapping, and adding a unique touch to the environment.
When finished reading the book, children can unfold the jacket—it turns into a poster-size map for them to use for drawing and creating.

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Les Cartes de Ma Vie par Sara Fanelli, ISBN 978-2-02-025366-6

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Il s’agit d’un des plus beaux livres de Sara Fanelli édité chez Seuil Jeunesse.

À l’intérieur on découvre des images colorées mêlant le dessin, la peinture, le collage.

Et puis les mots viennent parsemer ces cartes pour nous donner quelques indications, quelques précisions, souvent avec beaucoup d’humour et de poésie.

la carte de ma chambre

la carte de mon coeur

la carte de ma rue

la carte de ma journée

la carte de mon ventre

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Les Bisous par Angèle Delaunois, ISNB978-2-89540-018-9

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Un frère et une soeur aiment bien recevoir toutes sortes de bisous de gens de leur entourage. Ils gardent l’excédent
dans... leur trou à bisous ! Le texte, composé de petites phrases qui riment, est fort joliment illustré.

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Activité :

1.       Jaser des becs qui te font rire!!!

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The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing,                                 ISBN - 13:	9780448425009 

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It''s the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won''t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.

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The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, ISBN 0-439-89750-5

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Little girl 6-7 visits grandparents Nanna and Poppy (one lighter skin than other) and waves greetings through their magical window. They lovingly watch stars, play games, work garden, and listen to Poppy play harmonica. Bright simple illustrations. In many languages.

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Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden by Edith Pattou, ISBN 978-0-15-201978- 

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Mrs. Spitzer is a wise teacher who knows many things. She knows about gardens. She knows about children. She knows how similar they are, and how both will flourish if tended lovingly.

There are many remarkable teachers like Mrs. Spitzer in the world, and Edith Pattou's simple, moving story along with Tricia Tusa's inspired, whimsical illustrations celebrate all they do, year after year, to help our children grow and blossom.

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The Kiss Box by Bonnie Verburg, ISBN 978-0-545-11284-0

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ABOUT

A reassuring story about separation and loveIn this soothing love story between mother and child, Mama Bear offers various vessels to contain their love while they are apart--but none seem right. It''s not until Little Bear suggests that they make each other a Kiss Box--filled with a hundred kisses--that they are able to stay connected--no matter where they are.Whether it be an errand to the grocery store, a business trip, or the first day of school, this is a tender reminder that we are always together where it matters most: in our hearts.

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Jérémie ne veut pas aller à l’école ! Si on l’interroge, devra-t-il donner sa langue au chat ? Prendre le taureau par les cornes ? Mais le pire, c’est ce monstre, cet autobus colère qui lui fait si peur…

Abordant les thèmes de la peur, de l’inconnu, de l’école, L’autobus colère est aussi un album amusant sur les différences de perception entre l’adulte et l’enfant. Dans ce livre, on apprend qu’il ne faut pas prendre les expressions au pied de la lettre !

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Activité :

Jaser de l’expérience de prendre l’autobus, être marcheur, ou venir à l’école en auto

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https://doseofplay.com/blog/the-kiss-box

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If you've got a child heading off to preschool, kindergarten, or even elementary school, I've got the perfect project for you. These little Pocket Hearts, filled with love, are great for calming little nerves and sending your child some love to-go.

Last year, my daughter Lena started going to a homeschool co-op for a few hours once a week. She's never done formal preschool so she's not really used to being away from me for long periods of time. As we talked about going to co-op, she wasn't thrilled with the idea and was worried that she would miss me.

So on her first day I gave her one of these little pocket hearts that I had made for her. I let her watch as I gave it lots hugs and kisses. Then I handed it over, and she happily tucked it in her pocket for the day. I told her that it was filled with love and that whenever she needed to, she could reach in her pocket and feel my love for her.

After her first day, I asked if she had used herpocket heart. "Oh, yes. It made me feel lots better," she said. Her pocket heart went with her every week, even as co-op got easier for her. On days when she didn't have pockets, she tucked it in a pocket of her back pack or even her little pencil box. You could even sneak one into a lunchbox as a surprise!

Here's the best part- these pocket hearts are SUPER easy to make! Even if you're sewing skills are rusty (or nonexistent), you can do this, and it will take you less than 10 minutes.

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you use these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Supplies For Pocket Heart Keepsake

Cut And Sew Your Hearts

Start by cutting 2 squares of felt that are about 2" x 2". Fold one square in half to help you cut an even heart shape. You can even sketch it first if you need to. Cut out the heart.

Match it up to the second square of felt and cut our your second heart. You can trace if if you need to, or just match the edges as you cut.

Time to sew! I like to use a double strand of thread. Start by putting the needle in between the two hearts, so that the knot at the end of your thread will be sandwiched between the layers.

Sew around the edge of the heart using a whip stitch. You're basically sealing the two pieces of felt together by making loops around and around the edge. Pull your needle up, wrap the thread around the back, and make another stitch about 1/8" away. You don't want your stitches to be too close to the edge, because felt can tear.

Stop when you're about 3/4" away from where you began.

Stuff it with fiberfill (or tiny fabric straps). It really only takes a few pinches. You're just filling it enough to make it a little puffy.

Continue sewing with a whip stitch until you've made it all the way around. Cut the thread, leaving a long tail. Using the two strands of thread, tie several knots as close to the heart as you can.

Rethread the needle and poke it back through the felt somewhere close to the knot.

Pull the needle through the heart and up into the middle. Pull tight, and then clip the thread close to the heart. The loose thread strands should now be hidden safely within the heart!

Fill your pocket heart with loads of hugs and kisses for your little loves!

They're ready to tuck into a pocket and go off to school!

Make them in all colors so that you'll have some extra!

You May Also Be Interested In

From Other Great Bloggers

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Pocket Hearts- Back To School Keepsake | What Can We Do With Paper And Glue

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If you've got a child heading off to preschool, kindergarten, or even elementary school, I've got the perfect project for you. These little Pocket Hearts , filled with love, are great for calming little nerves and sending your child some love to-go.

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I have 9 days under my belt!!! The Kinder team has been busy teaching rules and procedures, assessing with DIBELS, and comforting little ones! Ahh, the beginning of the year...

I wanted to share with you some of the activities that we worked on last week. So here we go!

I introduced the kiddos to 2 types of Thinking Maps this week. We read a story from our reading program, Hands Can. We brainstormed some things that our hands can do and I recorded them on a Circle Map.

The students also completed a drawing activity on one thing that their hands can do.

I showed them another Thinking Map - the Bridge Map. We recorded information about what our nose, ears, eyes, and legs do.

And of course we read The Kissing Hand and discussed our feelings about going to school. I saw a cute activity on Pinterest which was only linked to a photo. So I created a similar sheet which had students draw a picture showing how they were feeling on the first day of school.

We then made our own little Chester Raccoon face! The kids loved doing this, and I think they came out perfect! They will look great displayed around the room for Back to School Night next week.

I have added the Chester Raccoon craftivity as a FREEBIE!

Click above to grab it!

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I have 9 days under my belt!!! The Kinder team has been busy teaching rules and procedures, assessing with DIBELS, and comforting little ones! Ahh, the beginning of the year... I wanted to share with you some of the activities that we worked on last week. So here we go!

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Use of Cookies

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Chester the Raccoon Paper Plate Craft - Simply Kinder

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Use of Cookies We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. ACCEPT REJECT Read More

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This Pin was discovered by Arwa Jammali. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest.

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Pour créer un petit lien pendant l'été...

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Pour créer un petit lien pendant l'été...

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Bébés  Chouettes par Martin Waddle et Patrick Benson(ISBN :	9782877678612 (287767861X)

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Même les bébés chouettes comme Sarah, Rémi et Lou réfléchissent la nuit, quand il fait noir, qu'ils sont seuls et que leur maman chouette n'est pas encore rentrée.

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Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson  (ISBN 9780763695194 )

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"I want my mommy!" Three baby owls awake one night to find their mother gone, and they can’t help but wonder where she is. What is she doing? When will she be back? What scary things move all around them? Stunning illustrations from striking perspectives capture the anxious little owls as they worry. Not surprisingly, joyous flapping and dancing and bouncing greet the mother’s return, lending a celebratory tone to the ending of this comforting tale. Never has the plight of young ones who miss their mother been so simply told or so beautifully rendered.

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Published: · This post may contain affiliate links

Our theme for this weeks is owls and we are featuring one of our favourite Owl Books, Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. We have 5 simple and fun activities that you can do with your little ones at home to learn, play, create and have fun. So here we go our Owl Themed Activity Plan for Preschoolers featuring the classic children's picture book Owl Babies.

Find Your Activity Plan Here

Virtual Book Club for Kids Featured Book Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
We have included links to the books on Amazon. As an associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Our featured book this week is Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. In this classic book for preschoolers, the 3 little owls wake at night to find their mother gone. They are sacred, what will happen, will she ever come back? She does and there is a great party.

This is a great book to read aloud as it's one of the big fears of preschoolers being left alone without their parents as well as gorgeous illustrations.

If you are looking for more Owl themed books then check out our other suggestions below.

Owl Week Activity Plan for Preschoolers

This week we have a fun plan with 5 simple activities for you and your preschooler to do together on the theme of owls.

We have split the activities between playing, learning and creating with the aim that you can pick and choose the ones that you want to do or do all 5.

If you would like more ideas then further down you will find a link to our Pinterest Board for more Owl Themed Activities to get inspiration.

If you are looking for a way to structure your week then Kristina from Toddler Approved one of the cohosts has put together this simple weekly schedule. But, it really is up to you how you schedule it out.

Owl Themed Sensory Activity for Preschoolers

For our sensory activity this week we are going to build a nest for our owls.

Make up your own playdough or use shop-bought and use natural materials as an owl would, playing at being a bird.

Owl Themed Alphabet Activity

We really love this combination of sensory, letter and craft with these Owl Alphabet Search Sensory Bottles.

With older children that are starting to read CVC words or their name get them to hunt for those letters in the bottles as well as the alphabet.

Owl Babies Math Activity for Preschoolers

We are working on colors this week with our math activity matching up the wings with the correct owls.

Recipe to Cook with the Kids for Owl Week

Get ready to bake this week with our owl recipe. It's delicious and tasty and we are making Owl Pizza's YUMMY!

Craft for Owl Themed Preschool Week

Our craft this week is to make an Owl Shape Paper Bag Puppet. A little bit of learning there as well.

Owl Themed Fun Over on Pinterest

If you are looking for more or alternative ideas for our owl themed week of fun then check out our Owl Theme Pinterest board below.

Owl Books for Preschoolers

Whether you want to add to your book basket this week or switch out Owl Babies for a different book about owls to share with your preschool we have our pick of the best below.
Little Owl's Night by Divya Srinivasan Wow Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Next Week on the Virtual Book Club for Kids

Our theme for next week is Gratitude and our featured book is Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson.

More Themes that Work Alongside Owls

Owls are a popular fall theme so any of our themes for autumn and featured books would work alongside owls.

Another Nocturnal Animal that is fun to feature alongside owls is bats. Check out our Bat Themed Activities for Preschoolers for more inspiration.

Owl Themed Activities for Preschoolers from the Virtual Book Club for Kids to go alongside reading Owl Baby by Martin Waddell

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Owl Themed Activities for Preschoolers Featuring Owl Babies

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Published: · This post may contain affiliate links Our theme for this weeks is owls and we are featuring one of our favourite Owl Books, Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. We have 5 simple and fun activities that you can do with your little ones at home to learn, play, create and have fun.

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ISBN0375851682 (ISBN13: 97803758516                                           Hurtful words and actionshttps://amylemons.com/a-friendship-lesson/?spref=pi      

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It’s just tutu much fun!

What do you do with a beautiful yellow tutu? Why, put it on your head and pretend you’re a ray of sunshine! Little girls will love the story of Margo, a girl with a tutu and a brilliantly imaginative mind. Lively text and charming illustrations that celebrate individuality and friendship will have fans of this new author-illustrator sister act call

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Wemberly Worried By: Kevin Henkes ISBM:  0061857769

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Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.

Wemberly worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon, and night. "Worry, worry, worry," her family said. "Too much worry."
And Wemberly worried about one thing most of all: her first day of school. But when it's time to go back to school and she meets a fellow worrywart in her class, Wemberly realizes that school is too much fun to waste time worrying!

This warm and comforting back-to-school favorite is from Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten's First Full Moon, and Chrysanthemum.

“This winning heroine speaks to the worrywart in everyone.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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Ruby finds a worries by Tom Pervival ISBN: 9781338638288

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https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/ruby-finds-worry-literature-guide

From the creator of Perfectly Norman comes a sensitive and reassuring story about what to do when a worry won't leave you alone.

Meet Ruby—a happy, curious, imaginative girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry.

It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger . . . And a little bigger . . . Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about.

But when Ruby befriends a young boy, she discovers that everyone has worries, and not only that, there's a great way to get rid of them too . . .

This perceptive and poignant story is the perfect springboard for talking to children about emotional intelligence and sharing hidden anxieties.

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Everyone has feelings. There is no such thing as a right or a wrong feeling. All feelings are okay. Your feelings are your friends. It's important to listen to listen to them. What kinds of feelings did you have today?

Discussion:
-What do you feel like sometimes?
Sometimes I feel like a _________

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Tristan, Sara, Didier et Arnaud ont en commun d'avoir un tas de cheveux sur la tête mais aussi une personnalité qui leur est propre. En dépit de goûts très différents, ils ont des liens entre eux et les passions des uns peuvent même apaiser les craintes des autres. Un album sur la diversité, une invitation à la découverte et à l'introspection.

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When we give birth to a child, we also need to cultivate the village of adults that will help us raise them. This community may consist of daycare workers, teachers, coaches, instructors, to extended family. This is critical as children flourish in environments where there is a seamless connection or invisible matrix of adults surrounding them. The challenge is parents can't leave this formation to chance, they must introduce and matchmake one's children to the adults who are responsible for them.

Matchmakers are agents of attachment who are not afraid to take the lead in fostering human connection. While the word matchmaker is usually associated with romantic relationships or business partnerships, it serves another role when it comes to caring for kids. Matchmakers connect two people who are unknown to each other and foster a sense of relatedness.

Why is matchmaking so important? Children have natural shyness instincts that move them to resist contact and closeness with people they are not attached to. As an attachment instinct, shyness ensures that a child follows, obeys, listens, and shares the same values as the people they are closest to. Children should naturally shy away from people who have not been sanctioned by their closest attachments.

When we look for people who will help us care for our children we consider many things such as their background, training, facilities, and demeanour but one of the most important thing to consider is whether we can foster a caring relationship between them and our child. If a child, especially young ones, do not feel at home in their adult relationships, they will be difficult to care for and may turn to their peers over their adults in terms of connection.
5 Ways to Play Matchmaker
The essence of matchmaking is being able to introduce a child and adult in a way that engages their attachment instincts and desire for contact and closeness. There are a number of strategies one can employ as a matchmaker; yet, it is as much about the science of attachment as it is the art of cultivating relationships.

To be a matchmaker a parent needs to feel empowered in this role and be a little arrogant that they are the answer to ensuring two people have a relationship. For example, at a dentist or doctors office a parent needs to take the lead in introducing their child. When we have the attachment lead with a child, we need to guide them to other caring adults and show them we approve of the connection. We can't assume that adults will collect our kids and start building a relationship with them. If we allow others to do the introductions for us, we are not in the lead. We were meant to point out to our children the people we believe to be their best bet for leaning upon.

Look for sameness and similarities

One of the ways children feel connected to adults is through sameness, meaning they feel they have something in common with them. Being the same as someone is not as vulnerable as having to share your secrets or heart. As a matchmaker, parents need to work to prime the relationship, pointing our similarities and working hard to highlight areas of likeness. For example, one mother said her four year was having a hard time settling into kindergarten so she approached his teacher for help.

"I spoke with the teacher the other day about bringing my son in early so he could settle in when there was no one else around. He seems to be anxious when things are busy so we left early to get him there before all of the kids started trickling in. We then packed his dinosaurs to bring to school and spoke about how wonderful it was to bring things to share with his teacher and friends. His teacher noticed his tote when he walked in the class and asked questions about it and that seemed to make him super happy! And then they walked to the carpet and set up his toys. I gave him a high 5 and said his teacher and friends were going to be super happy to see what he brought! He then turned to me and waved goodbye!!! No tears, no fuss!"

There are many ways to draw out similarities, from similar interests, experiences, to desires. When kids feel that they have something in common with people that care for them, they are more likely to be more receptive to their care. The challenge is that a sense of sameness is often easier with their same aged peers which could come at the expense of their adult ones. This can lead to a host of problems including peer orientation where they are more influenced and take direction from their friends rather than adults.

Foster a sense of approval and connection between the adults

When a parent demonstrates that they like another adult, a child will often follow their lead. On an instinctive level the child's brain says, "If you like this person then I will like them too." When they see us expressing warmth, delight and enjoyment to another person, they are likely to follow our lead. This requires us to be thoughtful in our conversations regarding the adults in their life and ensure what they hear preserves these relationships. For example, when a child has a new teacher it will be important to express approval and interest in this person, encouraging a child to share their daily experiences with them. It is important to not judge what these adults do in front of the child as we will run the risk of thwarting their relationship. If conversations are required regarding the child, then it is often best done without them being present.

Create routines and rituals to foster connection

Creating a culture of attachment is best done through routines and rituals. Routines are great at orienting kids to the transition between their adults such as at drop off and pick up. This could include a standard hello as well as some simple conversation about everyday events like the weather or plans for the day. When a parent feels the child has connected to the adult they can say their goodbyes and leave swiftly. Hanging around to talk or prolonged goodbye often agitates young children as they don't know who they should orient too.

One father told me his drop off included pretending he was a knight and telling his 4 year old that, "The warm hearted maiden, Angela, will care for you in my absence. You are in good stead with her my son." With a bow to Angela and his son he left promptly. His son looked forward to each morning's goodbye and Angela felt empowered in her caretaking role.

Rituals foster connection and a sense of community - from celebrating holidays to special occasions. When children see adults sharing food, eating meals together, gathering, playing games or going on outings, the sense of being cared for by a village is further highlighted. For young children gradual entry and school orientations are also important rituals which allow a child to warm up to a teacher or daycare provider and feel comfortable with them.

Maintain a hierarchy of attachments

It is fine to introduce children to many adults as long as we keep their attachment hierarchy in place. The parent(s) need to be at the top of the hierarchy with all other adults falling under them. To ensure this, a parent needs to explain to whom a child should go to for help when needed.

If a child sees a parent being reprimanded, dismissed, or treated poorly by other adults, it can threaten their attachment hierarchy with the parent at the helm. If a parent needs support then it is best to do it in a way that preserves the parent role in the eyes of a child. Admonishing parents in front of their child can hurt a child in the long run. They need to feel and believe their parents know how to care for them, even if the parent needs support in being able to do this.

Hellos and goodbyes can be provocative for kids but they are made less so when kids feel connected to adults at each of these junctures. We can't blame our kids for missing their favourite people but we can help them feel at home with other caring adults. What children need most is a network of caring adults. If we devote even half of our energy to this instead of focussing on peer to peer relationships, we could build a seamless attachment matrix around them.

Parents need to play matchmaker and introduce one's children to the supporting cast of adults that will help raise them. Children shouldn't have to question who is caring for them. They need to be free to play and focus on learning about who they are and what they can do.

Dr. Deborah MacNamara is on faculty at the Neufeld Institute, the author of Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and Director of the Kid's Best Bet, a counselling and family resource center. For more information see www.macnamara.ca or www.neufeldinstitute.org.

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Playing Matchmaker: Cultivating Relationships with Teachers and Adults Who Care for Our Kids

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When we give birth to a child, we also need to cultivate the village of adults that will help us raise them. This community may consist of daycare workers, teachers, coaches, instructors, to extended family. This is critical as children flourish in environments where there is a seamless connection or invisible matrix of adults surrounding them.

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Et voilà notre 2ème cadeau, réalisé par les grands : Lise, Lilou et Mathéo.

Sur la page de garde, j'ai remplacé l'image "noire" de la fille ou du garçon, par une photo de l'enfant qui souffle un bisou à son papa. Je trouve que cela fait plus personnel !

Page 1 : pour te faire réver... des bisous étoilés
Faire coller à l'enfant des petites étoiles brillantes sur la bouche.

Page 2 : pour te réveiller... un bisous tout doux
Faire coller des plumettes sur la bouche

Page 3 : pour te faire rigoler... des bisous colorés
Coller des gommettes de différentes couleurs

Page 4 : pour les jours de fête... des bisous pailletés
Coller des paillettes

Page 5 : pour ne pas m'oublier... un bisou parfumé
Vaporiser un peu de parfum sur la page

Page 6 : rien que pour toi... un bisou au chocolat
Même principe que les paillettes, mais avec de la poudre de cacao du petit déjeuner

Page 7 : et pour toujours... des bisous d'amours !
Coller des coeurs.

Relier le livre avec des agrafes, puis coller une bande de cartoline colorée sur la tranche pour masquer les agrafes.

Voici un cadeau simple et rapide à réaliser, qui j'espère plaira aux paapas !

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Le livre des bisous pour la fête des papas 2015

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Et voilà notre 2ème cadeau, réalisé par les grands : Lise, Lilou et Mathéo. Sur la page de garde, j'ai remplacé l'image "noire" de la fille ou du garçon, par une photo de l'enfant qui souffle un bisou à son papa. Je trouve que cela fait plus personnel !

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How to handle worries and fears.

Discussion:
-What do you worry about?
-What can you do when you feel worried?

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Text to Self Connection to go with their art. Click on the picture to download a copy. We read Wemberly Worried on the first day of school and then make this puppet to talk about what we were worried about before starting first grade.

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One of the most powerful ways we can connect with our students and normalize "big feelings" is by sharing quality literature with them. Often, they can identify with a character and label their emotions before they can label their own. Even if you're not ready to add Social-Emotional learning to your daily or weekly lesson plans, bringing in powerful read-alouds is a great first step.

I am always on the hunt for books to share with you...I want you to feel confident bringing them in your classroom and not spend hours searching for the right book.

I was thinking about what skills are most important right now, and I think managing worry and anxiety are at the top of the list! While I try to bring you diverse authors as often as I can, Tom Percival is too good not to share.

This post contains affiliate links. All recommendations are carefully vetted and believed in. We use the small revenue to keep bringing you great content.

Ruby Finds a Worry is about a little girl who "finds a worry." When she finds it, it's nagging but small. As she worries about the worry more, it grows and becomes more distracting. It travels with her

At the end of the story, Ruby finds another boy with a worry. I love that the worries are different colors...it's a simple but powerful representation of everyone's different worries.

She learns that talking about our worries helps them shrink and get back to a more manageable size.

I wanted to share a few reasons why I love this book.

1. Ruby is a Black character, but that's not the focus of the book. So often diverse characters are only in books about diversity. It's so important that our students find characters to connect with them that look like them and their peers.

2. Ruby is dealing with a "big feeling" that's deeper than being left out or sad. For a long time, most of the SEL books on the market dealt with kindness, manners or neatness. I'm always so glad when I find books that tackle different topics.

3. It's short and to the point. Sometimes books take SO long to get the message across and we lose our young learner's interest. This book is a quick read.

4. At the end, Percival reminds students that worries don't go away. They hang around and even when we manage them, they might still be there. We will also find new worries. That's just part of being human.

5. Ruby realizes that talking about her worries helps it shrink. So many students don't feel comfortable talking about their big feelings, and I love the way it normalizes it.

I wanted to make sure you can use this lesson tomorrow, so I made a few reading response pages for after reading. I've included printable and digital versions of the activities, as well as several types of handwriting lines and blank pages for students who are still drawing pictures.

You can grab your copy of Ruby Finds a Worry here.

You can grab your FREE activities by adding your name and email below. Click subscribe and check your email.

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One of the most powerful ways we can connect with our students and normalize "big feelings" is by sharing quality literature with them. Often, they can identify with a character and label their emotions before they can label their own.

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Neufeld Six Stages of Attachment-School (1)