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Life Lessons for ChildrenA Workbook to Help Kids CopeDuring the Coronavirus PandemicBy Denise Daniels,rn, msYALE CHILD STUDY CENTERYALE CHILD STUDY CENTER SCHOLASTICCOLLABORATIVE SCHOLASTICCOLLABORATIVEChild & FamilyResiliencefor Child &forFamilyResilience

spUnworGotretA Letof fersmoment of a child’s lifeyerevrlyeaNy.eroving time of disc,Childhood is an amazcaring, listening, empathyaschsu,illsskceenigportant emotional intellging timesopportunities to teach imrticularly true in challenpaldshoatTh.ceiensilulation, and reproblem-solving, self-regsuch as these.mstances thatt into extraordinary circuusthrenbevehasliemiemic, farienceDuring the current pandn’s well-being. Past expereildchontseceffmterth short- and longmay be life-changing, wian enormouschildren’s lives can makeinpsn-uowgrgrincattaught us thad helpfulduring global crises hasropriate information, anppe-aage,ncrasuasresafety, comfortingdifference by providingtheir emotionallings can help alleviatefeetouabtarsmbetoren learnment.guidance. Helping childd enhance brain developanm,stesynemuimirtration, boost thestress, improve concent.d to help you do just thanesigdeswanreildchs workbook forThis First Aid for Feelinge childrenok, you can encouragborkwosthiindunfoping strategiesnageBy using the simple coy help reduce and mamaillssklifeeesThs.estions, and feelingto express thoughts, qung lives.ntrol within their changicoofenssemesoeidty, and provchildren’s stress or anxiesations,erhearing anxious converovs,skmaingarweleseeing peopChildren may be upset bynes completelyt, and having their routiouabrecaytheleopfrom pey arebeing physically distanting carefully to what thetenlisilewhrviohabeto observe theirldisrupted. It’s importantng children’s emotionaetimet,meenbevehadiate physical needssaying. Once their immer.confusion, anxiety, or feairthethwialdemtheneeds is key to helpingthatide resilience strategiesovprllwikoorkbwosoffered through thiThe emotional supportrn to copeities will help children leativaceesTh.siscrintrrebeyond the cutoolswill serve children wellthem with the emotionaluipeqlphellwidanenges of growing upwith the ever yday challd successful life.for a happy, healthy, ang thisemotional securit y durindanlicaysphn’sreildensure our chAll of us are working tother!will get through this togewedane—timnggienchallDenise Daniels, RN, MS ef InstituteGrithe National ChildhoodFounder of

This workbook is for YOU!My name is .I live in , City.StateToday’s date is .A Changing WorldThe world is changing all the time. Somechanges happen suddenly and last for ashort time, and others are longer. Eventhough change may seem scary, it can alsobe a chance for you to learn and grow.The big change that lots of people aretalking about right now is the coronavirus.If you’re like most kids, this may be a prettyconfusing time for you. Maybe your schoolhas been temporarily closed, or maybea family member is worried about notworking, or perhaps you’re upset becauseyou can’t get together with your friends.Use the space below to list some of the changes you are currently facing. TM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What I Know and Want to KnowYour family all love you and want to keep you safe. They can be your very bestsource for information. Lots of kids are wondering, what IS the coronavirus?Scientists tell us that the novel (or new) coronavirus is a different type of virus.It’s a tiny germ that can spread to people and make them sick.That’s why we are taking so many safety precautions—like asking you not totouch your face and to wash your hands frequently. Now is an important timefor you to have information about the virus.Use the space below to tell what youhave heard about the coronavirus. Asking questions is a good way to help you understand what ishappening. There are no wrong questions, so don’t be afraid toask! There are lots of places you can go to find the answers to yourquestions, like asking a grown-up, your teacher, your doctor, the CityHall where you live, the internet, or the library (online for now)!Make a list of some of the questions you may have: 4?TM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What To Do When I Feel AfraidIf you’re like a lot of kids, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed.We really aren’t sure what’s going to happen next, and that canfeel scary. When you are afraid, here are some things you can doto feel better.Circle the ones you would like to try.Turn off the TV!Drink a glassof cold water.TM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.Curl up and readyour favorite book.Talk to acaring grown-upabout feeling afraid.Get the facts.Listen tocalming music.Take somedeep breathsand exhale slowly.Draw a picture ofwhat you are afraid of.Write in afeelings journal.Tell yourself to be braveand that you’ll be okay.Get and give hugs(virtually, if needed!)Your feelings send messages to your brain that affect how you think, feel,and act. When you express them, others can understand what you’regoing through. Remember: All feelings are okay but keeping them insidecan cause aches and pains.Circle the feelings you are having right ProudRelievedSadTiredStressedWorriedSurprisedWhen things seemscary and you tremblewith fear, tell yourselfto be calm and yourcourage will appear!Other Feelings: 5

Taking Care of FamilyNow would be a good time to have a family meeting to talk about how yourfamily members are taking care of their health. It’s also a good time to practicecertain ways you can take care of yourself.Circle the ones you are already doing.Wave instead of shaking hands.Call or video chat with your friendswhenever you are lonely.Cough and sneeze into your elbow.MAKE SURE you don’t touchyour face, eyes, or nose.Exercise your body and your brain.Get lots of rest, even on weekends.Rest will help protect your body.6Wash your hands before you eat,after using the bathroom, and aftersneezing or coughing.Wash your hands for 20 seconds(sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” two timesto make sure you’re washing long enough).Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruitand vegetables, and be sure todrink plenty of water.Most of all, listen to your body.If you don’t feel well, tell a grown-uphow you are feeling.TM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.Stand six giant steps awayfrom your friends or neighbors.

Make a Daily PlanWhen you are going through big changes, it’s helpful to stickto your normal routine. Do your homework every day, get somefresh air and exercise, and have regular mealtimes and bedtimes.If you don’t already have a daily schedule, use this chart tocreate one. Ask a grown-up to help you list all the thingsyou do each day and what time of day you do them.AfternoonEveningTM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.MorningCalming CornerA Calming Corner is a safe and comfy place you can go when you need tocalm down. Having time to yourself is important during times of stress.Circle what you want to add to your Calming Corner.BeanbagsGlitter jarSoft rugSqueeze ballJournal and crayonsPinwheel (for takingslow, deep breaths)Fish tankwith goldfishOther ideas: 7

People Care About Me!In difficult times, it’s comforting to spend extra time with those you love and careabout. Reading together, playing board games, working on a puzzle together,or if allowed, hiking or going for a walk or bike ride are some good ideas tohelp your family to stay connected. Use this space below to make a listof all the people who care about you and what you like to do together.(You might be surprised at how many people there are!)What We Do TogetherTM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.People Who Care 8

The Helpers Who Keep Me SafeIt’s important for you to know that many caring and courageous heroes areworking hard to keep you healthy and safe. When there are emergencies,people always come together to help one another, especially the kids, and that’sa good thing for you to know! Some of the people who are working hard tokeep you and your family healthy are:All the grown-upsin your life who areprotecting youTM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.Health care workers,including doctors,nurses, and othersThe president, governor,mayor, and leadersof other governmentagenciesTeachers and principalsBus driversMen and women servingin the National GuardOther countriesScientistsEmergency respondersPolice and firefightersPharmacistsPeople who work at yourlocal grocery storePublic workers who keepour cities cleanTruck drivers whobring us food andmedical suppliesThere are many helpers all around you. Can you think of any others? 9

Let ThoseFeelings Out!Remember when we talked aboutexpressing your feelings? Here are somegood ways for you to let your feelings out.Circle some of the ones that workbest for you, and add other ideas.Laugh out loud.Talk to someone whocares about you.Make a feelings collagefrom old magazines:cut out pictures thatshow people feelingdifferent emotions.Have a good crywhen you need to!Help those in need.Helping others is a goodway to help yourself.Other ideas: 10Find a quiet placeto meditate(think calmingthoughts).Send positive thoughtsabout those who havebeen affected.Make a happymemories scrapbook.Read a book aboutfeelings, such asGrumpy Monkey,When Sophie Gets Angry,or The Way I Feel.Spend time playingwith your favorite pet.Make yourfavorite mealwith a grown-up.Write ina feelings journal.Do something creative,like make a piece ofjewelry, a sculpture outof clay or art dough,or a cheerful card forsomeone who is sickor lonely.Do something nicefor someone else.Dance while listeningto your favorite music.TM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.Draw a picture of howyou’re feeling right now.

Sometimes It’s ANNOYING!If you’re like most kids, there might be times when you feel frustrated or evenangry because you aren’t able to be with your friends or do the things youwould like to do. It’s natural to feel this way when everything around you seemsupside down. It’s important to find healthy ways to express angry feelings.Here are some things you can do to help you manage those really big feelings.Circle the ones that work best for you, and add other ideas.Get some exercise—it’s the #1 stress buster!TM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.Watch a funny movie.Take a s-l-o-w deepbreath, then exhales-l-o-w-l-y. Do thisseveral times tocalm down.Count from one to ten.Call or video chatwith friends to sharehow all of you feel.Paint a picture.Other ideas: If allowed, run aroundoutside. It’s a great wayto let off steam.Write a letter to yourselfabout why you’refeeling frustrated.Plan to have somefuture fun. Decidewhat you would like todo when you are ableto be with your friendsagain.Yell into your pillow.Do some stretchesor yoga poses.(You can make upyour own, such asmaking an animalshape with your body,or pretending you’rereaching for the stars.)Listen to loud musicwhile stomping around.Pound some play clay.Talk to a caringgrown-up aboutwhy you’re angry.Close your eyes andimagine you’re in one ofyour favorite places.When you’re feeling angry,take a deep breathand count to ten.and before you know it,you’ll feel better again! Remember, all feelings are okay, but it’s neverokay to hurt yourself or others to feel better!11

Same and DifferentRemember when we talked about change? Some changes are easy, but someare harder. Maybe you have just moved, or you are going to a new school,or your family members are living in different places. Those can be really bigchanges for everyone! If you are going through a big change, you may usethe chart below to talk about your big change, and then fill in the chart.Things thatwill stay the sameTM & Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.Things thatwill changeEvery ending bringsa new beginning . . .and good memorieslast forever!12