Whole Body Listening with Elmo
Practice along with Elmo as he shows the mindfulness strategy of whole body listening. This activity can be used to help children focus and prepare for the day or a new activity.
Mental Health
Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being. It is a child’s developing capacity to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, explore, and learn—all in the cultural context of family and community. The mental health of children and the adults that care for them is essential for school readiness.
Self-love with Grover
This activity can help children build confidence and practice self-love. Together with children, listen and follow Grover’s instructions.
Notice with Cookie Monster
Listen to Cookie Monster explain how to notice things around us. This activity can help children find grounding and focus.
Bubble Breathing with Abby
Take a deep breath with Abby! This activity can help children find calmness and reset.
Body Scan with Big Bird
Follow Big Bird’s instructions and say hello to each part of the body. This activity can be used to help children relax or self-soothe, including during difficult moments.
Recognizing Trauma and Building Resilience
Learn the definition of trauma and how it impacts young children. Discover how programs can be more trauma-informed.
Mental Health Planning for Disaster and Trauma
Explore how staff can plan and prepare before a natural disaster for the mental health needs of children, families, and staff that follow in the wake of an event.
Coping with Grief and Loss
Find out how Head Start staff can recognize their role in supporting children and families when they experience a loss.
Sensitive Conversations with Families
This podcast supports Early Head Start and Head Start staff to hold sensitive conversations with families on topics occurring outside of the classroom.