Hopscotch Play Guides
When I Feel Worried
About
Summary: Francis shares strategies to manage worries and build bravery.
Synopsis: Francis acknowledges that feeling worried is normal and offers methods to handle it. He suggests calming techniques like deep breathing and visualizing worries as fluffy clouds that float away. Francis recommends imagining putting worries in a special jar, focusing on positive outcomes, and staying present. Engaging in enjoyable activities and talking to a trusted person can also help. He emphasizes the importance of remembering personal bravery and the ability to handle any worry that comes their way.
Themes: The story focuses on themes of anxiety, coping strategies, and resilience. It teaches children how to manage their worries through visualization, positive thinking, and engaging in enjoyable activities. The narrative emphasizes the value of mindfulness, staying present, and seeking support from trusted individuals to foster emotional strength and resilience.
Using When I Feel Worried in Session
Therapists can use "When I Feel Worried" to help children understand and manage anxiety. Discussing Francis's techniques can teach children practical strategies for calming down and addressing worries. Role-playing different scenarios can help children practice these techniques in a safe environment. The story also provides a foundation for discussing the importance of mindfulness and the power of positive thinking.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some signs that you are starting to feel worried?
2. How can taking deep breaths help you calm down when you're worried?
3. Why is it helpful to imagine your worries as fluffy clouds that float away?
4. How does putting your worries in a special jar or box make you feel better?
5. What can you do to focus on positive outcomes instead of worrying about what might go wrong?
6. Why is it important to stay present and focus on what's happening now?
7. What activities do you enjoy that can help you feel better when you're worried?
8. Why is it important to talk to a trusted person about your worries?
Making New Friends
About
Summary: Grant shares tips on how to make new friends and enjoy their company.
Synopsis: Grant describes the excitement of meeting new people and making friends. He suggests starting with a smile, saying "Hello," and sharing names. Grant recommends friendly gestures like handshakes or high-fives, and engaging in games or activities while sharing and taking turns. He emphasizes the importance of listening and asking questions to get to know new friends better. Grant also addresses handling disagreements calmly and the joy of laughing together. Finally, he highlights the adventure of making new friends and appreciating their uniqueness.
Themes: The story promotes themes of social skills, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. It teaches children the importance of friendly greetings, active listening, sharing, and taking turns. The narrative also highlights the value of understanding and resolving disagreements, the joy of shared laughter, and the appreciation of new friendships.
Using Making New Friends in Session
Therapists can use "Making New Friends" to help children develop social skills and confidence in forming new relationships. Discussing Grant’s approach can teach children effective ways to introduce themselves, engage in friendly activities, and communicate with new friends. Role-playing scenarios based on the story can help children practice these skills. The story also provides a basis for discussing empathy, conflict resolution, and the value of diverse friendships.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you feel when you meet someone new?
2. What are some ways you can start a conversation with a new friend?
3. Why is it important to share and take turns when playing with new friends?
4. How can you show that you are listening to your new friend?
5. What can you do if you and your new friend disagree about something?
6. Why is laughing together important in a friendship?
7. Can you think of a time when you made a new friend? How did it happen?
8. What makes each new friend you meet special and unique?
Celebrating Differences
About
Summary: Grant encourages kids to embrace and celebrate what makes everyone unique.
Synopsis: Grant highlights the joy in celebrating the diverse qualities that make each person special. He emphasizes that despite differences in how people move, learn, or need extra help, everyone can be friendly and kind. Grant discusses the variety of family structures and traditions, and the importance of learning about and respecting these differences. He encourages asking questions to understand others better and celebrates the unique talents and hobbies that everyone has, promoting an inclusive and accepting environment.
Themes: The story emphasizes themes of diversity, inclusion, empathy, and respect. It teaches children the value of recognizing and celebrating differences, understanding various family structures and traditions, and appreciating unique talents and hobbies. It promotes kindness and acceptance, encouraging children to learn about and respect each other's differences.
Using Celebrating Differences in Session
Therapists can use "Celebrating Differences" to help children appreciate diversity and develop empathy. Discussing Grant's message can teach children to value and respect the unique qualities of others. Role-playing scenarios where children learn about each other's differences can foster a deeper understanding and acceptance. The story provides a platform to discuss how celebrating differences can enhance social interactions and friendships.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is it important to celebrate our differences?
2. How can you be kind and friendly to someone who is different from you?
3. What are some unique ways that people move, learn, or need help?
4. Why is it fun to learn about different holidays and traditions?
5. How can asking questions help you learn more about others?
6. What does Grant say about different family structures?
7. What are some unique talents or hobbies that you or your friends have?
8. How can celebrating differences make our community better?
My Bubble, Your Bubble
About
Summary: Rowan teaches kids about respecting personal space.
Synopsis: Rowan explains that everyone has a personal space bubble, which is an area around them that they like to keep to themselves. Respecting this space makes people feel comfortable and happy. She encourages kids to communicate if they need more space and to respect others' space by keeping a polite distance. Rowan highlights the importance of respecting personal space in various situations, like waiting in line or playing games, as a way of showing kindness and being a good friend.
Themes: The story emphasizes social-emotional themes such as respecting personal boundaries, effective communication, and kindness. It teaches children the importance of personal space, how to ask for more space politely, and the value of respecting others' space to foster positive social interactions and friendships.
Using Trying New Things in Session
Therapists can use "My Bubble, Your Bubble" to teach children about personal boundaries and respectful behavior in social settings. Discussing Rowan's perspective can help children understand the concept of personal space and why it's important. Role-playing different scenarios can help children practice asking for more space and respecting others' boundaries. The story also provides a foundation for discussing empathy and understanding others' comfort levels.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is a personal space bubble, and why is it important?
2. How does Rowan feel when people respect her personal space?
3. What can you do if someone is too close and you need more space?
4. Why is it important to respect others' personal space?
5. Can you think of a time when someone respected your personal space? How did it make you feel?
6. How can you show kindness by respecting personal space in different situations?
7. Why is it important to communicate your needs about personal space to others?
8. How can respecting personal space help you be a better friend?
Trying New Things
About
Summary: Rowan encourages kids to embrace new experiences with a positive attitude.
Synopsis: Rowan explains that trying new things can be like an exciting adventure, even if it feels a bit nerve-wracking. She suggests taking deep breaths, imagining positive outcomes, and thinking encouraging thoughts to feel more comfortable. Asking questions and having a supportive friend can make the experience even more enjoyable. Rowan emphasizes the pride in attempting new activities, regardless of the outcome, and looks forward to the amazing discoveries that come from trying new things.
Themes: The story explores themes of courage, resilience, and social support. It emphasizes the importance of approaching new experiences with a positive mindset and how social interactions, like having a friend by your side, can enhance the experience. It encourages children to develop social confidence and resilience by trying new activities and supporting one another.
Using Trying New Things in Session
Therapists can use "Trying New Things" to help children develop social confidence and a positive attitude towards new experiences. Discussing Rowan’s approach can teach children techniques like deep breathing and positive thinking. Role-playing scenarios where children try new activities can help them practice these techniques and build social support by encouraging friends. The story provides a basis for discussing how trying new things together can strengthen friendships and create a supportive environment.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does Rowan feel about trying new things, and why?
2. What techniques does Rowan use to feel more comfortable with new experiences?
3. Why is it helpful to imagine positive outcomes when trying something new?
4. How can asking questions make trying new things easier?
5. Why is having a friend by your side beneficial when trying new things?
6. Can you think of a time when you tried something new? How did it go?
7. How can you support a friend who is nervous about trying something new?
8. Why is it important to be proud of yourself for trying new things, no matter the outcome?
Francis Faces His Fears
About
Summary: Francis overcomes his stage fright by practicing his clarinet daily and gradually building confidence.
Synopsis: Francis feels anxious about performing in a talent show, experiencing symptoms like sweating and dizziness. Despite his fears, he loves playing the clarinet and devises a plan to practice daily until he feels better. He starts by practicing alone, then in front of friends, and finally on stage with other kids, gaining confidence each time. On the day of the show, he manages his fear, performs beautifully, and feels a sense of accomplishment, vowing to participate again next year.
Themes: The story explores themes of courage, perseverance, and self-confidence. It emphasizes the importance of practice and gradual exposure to fears as effective coping strategies. The narrative also highlights the supportive role of friends and family in overcoming anxiety and building self-assurance.
Using Francis Faces His Fears in Session
Therapists can use "Francis Faces His Fears" to help children understand the process of facing and overcoming their anxieties. Discussing Francis's step-by-step plan can illustrate the value of gradual exposure and practice. Role-playing Francis’s journey can help children relate it to their own fears and develop similar strategies. The story also provides an opportunity to talk about the importance of support from friends and family in managing anxiety.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did Francis feel about performing in the talent show at first?
2. What physical symptoms did Francis experience when he felt anxious?
3. What was Francis’s plan to overcome his fear of performing?
4. How did practicing in front of his friends help Francis feel more confident?
5. What did Francis do when he felt nervous before the talent show?
6. How did Francis feel after he performed in the talent show?
7. Can you think of a time when you faced a fear? How did you handle it?
8. Why is it important to have support from friends and family when facing fears?
