Read the story together, then ask kids how Oscar’s feelings differ from his friends’. You might say, “How do you think Elmo would feel if he got a sardine cake on his birthday? How would you feel? What treat would make you (or me, or a sibling) feel happy?”

Point out that Oscar’s friends care about him and how he feels, even if his feelings are different from theirs. All feelings are okay, even grouchiness!

After reading, encourage kids to tell their own emoji story. Using a phone or computer, challenge kids to find emojis that show each character’s feelings as you go along (you can start with the classic “Once upon a time…”). Kids can choose symbols for important events, too. How many different feelings can they include? When you finish, you might even share the story with a loved one in a text or e-mail. Can they name all the feelings?

Print out seven feelings journal pages (for one week) and put them in a folder, or clip them together.

Help kids complete a page every day. They may need help thinking of what to draw or write. You might ask, for instance, “What was a fun thing you did today?”; “Was there anything today that reminded you of your mom?” or, “When you felt sad today, where did you feel it in your body?”

At the end of the week, look through the journal together and talk about the different emotions that children felt. End with a big hug and reassurance that hearts take time to heal.

Watch this video together (it’s best if you’ve watched all the other videos in this topic first) and then choose a comfort object, such as a stuffed animal or doll, for pretend play.

Tell kids that this little friend is having some big feelings, like Elmo did in the video, and needs comforting. You might help children relate by explaining why the animal or doll is feeling that way, based on kids’ experience (“She’s feeling sad because she has to move to a different home and will miss her friends.”).

Invite kids to think of ways to help, such as hugging the animal or doll, showing it how to breathe deeply, and telling it they’re here to talk and listen (demonstrate these strategies as needed). This will help children express empathy and compassion, and learn ways to comfort themselves and others.