Theme: Resilience & problem-solving
Caregiver Tip: Let your child take the lead. Pause, observe and give them time to think and try. Step in only if your child asks for help or is open to conversation. There is no right or wrong for your child to do the activity.
Set the Scene:
The mat shows a half-broken wooden bridgeover a stream.
Poco wants to reach the apple tree on the other side.
Caregiver says:
“Oh no… the bridge is broken! Poco wants to get across”
Pause and wait, allowing your child to give a response.
You could use prompts such as:
• Hmm what do you think we could do?
• Would you like to help Poco?
Resilience Moment: Let your child to use the felt wooden planks to complete the bridge, giving them time to think, adjust and try again. If the child asks for help, be sure to do so. The goal is to try, rather than getting it right.
Words of encouragement:
•I love the effort you are making!
• Almost done!
• You repaired the bridge! You did it!
Problem-solving conversation starters:
· I wonder if you have ever had anything that’s broken before?
· You just repaired the bridge– that means you fixed something that was broken.
· How did it feel to repair the bridge?
Learning Through Play:
• Resilience through small steps and effort
• Simple problem-solving
• Sequencing actions
