Let's Try Something New!

While some children can’t wait to try new things, others shy away. In both cases learning about the situation beforehand makes children more confident. New experiences, even those to which we look forward can be a scary. For some children that fear keeps them from even trying, for others it sets in right in the middle of the experience.

Little Critter Sleeps Over by Mercer Mayer gives adults a good opportunity to casually introduce and discuss new experiences. It is a short fun book, but packed with lots of learning opportunities, even for those not going on a sleepover anytime soon. After reading the story, children could draw pictures of their own house and Kidwrite about what kinds of things they do for fun. Sharing these in small groups will give children a comfortable topic to share, while teaching others about the differences and similarities in homes. Teachers may want to extend this to a “sleepover” day when children wear their sleep clothes and bring a stuffed animal. Others teachers may find that inviting another class for a “play date” or “tea party” is the perfect learning activity for their group to practice manners and learning about others. Role playing situations move l earning from an auditory experience to a kinesthetic one.