As we know, social emotional learning is essential for children’s academic and future successes. We have created a list of fun and engaging short films that can help teachers and families discuss important social emotional topics with their students. Enjoy!
Cookie Monster: Furry Potter and the Goblet of Cookies
Cookie Monster: Double-Stuff 7
Listening to directions: These videos help kids listen carefully to directions and remember important information. Cookie Monster sometimes misses important information because he's moving too fast or he's talking too much and he misses things. Talk to your child about how listening to directions and remembering important information helps us do better in school and helps us learn new things.
Non-verbal communication/Bullying: While watching this film with your students make sure you bring attention to how the little birds are treating the big bird (laughing at him, whispering about him, pecking his feet). They aren't using specific words. There are lots of non-verbal things they are doing that can still be hurtful. Ask the students how this would make someone feel. Talk about what they could do if they see a peer being treated like this.
· Non-verbal communication: This film is a way to show students the importance of appropriate body language. This film can be paused frequently in order to address specific moments of positive or negative body language between the cloud and the stork. It is important to note within the discussion that body language is another way to communicate and maintain friendships (like the cloud and the stork). Encourage your students to think about a time they may have shown negative body language to a peer and how that might have made them feel.
· Emotion regulation: This film ties in great with the zones of regulation. After watching the clip you can have a discussion with the students regarding what strategies Snoopy could have done in order to help him get back to the green zone. Its also important to know good strategies to do quickly so you don't stay mad for a long time.
Cookie Monster Whole Body Listening
Whole body listening: This is a great film to show little students how to listen with their whole body. While watching the video, frequently check in with the student to see if they are listening with their whole body by focusing on the concept of eyes watching, ears listening, voices quiet and body calm. Following the video ask the students more specifically how cookie monster was showing the instructor how he was listening using his eyes, ears, voice and body.
Waiting: Encourage students to think about what it means to be patient. Following this discussion ask the students to think about some strategies they can use when they know they have to wait a long time (e.g., maybe waiting in line for a roller coaster or waiting for food at a restaurant) or when they feel like they simply cannot wait any longer.