My New Home and Me: Fun Activity Ideas

Create a symbolic tool to help children visualize 'cutting through' difficult emotions and situations. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what was the toughest situation Bruno faced and what tools they can use when they feel like they have 'fallen flat on their face.'

Instructions:

1. Draw a large ax shape onto a piece of recycled cardboard and carefully cut it out.

2. Wrap the 'blade' portion of the cardboard ax in silver duct tape to give it a metallic look.

3. On the handle of the ax, use markers to write down three coping strategies, such as 'Take five deep breaths' or 'Count to ten'.

4. Practice using the ax by 'chopping' through a strip of paper where you have written a common frustration like 'doing homework' or 'cleaning my room'.

5. Keep the ax in a visible place in the bedroom as a reminder that they have the tools to handle tough moments.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Cardboard scraps

• Duct tape

• Markers

A creative collage activity that teaches children how inclusion 'bonds' different people together. Discussion Tip: Talk about why the 'inclusion glue' is important for making sure no one feels left out, just like Bruno wanted to find a friend.

Instructions:

1. Search through old magazines or newspapers to find pictures of many different types of people.

2. Cut out the figures and arrange them in a large circle on a piece of construction paper.

3. Use the school glue to paste the figures down, leaving small gaps between them.

4. In the spaces between the people, use the glue to draw lines connecting everyone, then sprinkle a little glitter or colored sand over the wet glue to represent the 'Inclusion Glue'.

5. Write the word 'Welcome' in the center of the circle to represent an inclusive friendship group.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• School glue

• Construction paper

• Old magazines

Children will braid a physical rope to learn that multiple strands of kindness and trust make a friendship strong. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what 'strands' make a friendship strong, such as trust, laughter, or helping each other.

Instructions:

1. Cut three long strands of yarn in different colors, each about three feet long.

2. Tie the three strands together in a knot at one end and tape the knot to a table to hold it steady.

3. Braid the three strands together tightly, alternating the left and right strands over the center.

4. As you braid, name a quality of a good friend for every cross-over, such as 'honesty' or 'kindness'.

5. Tie a knot at the bottom once finished and wear it as a bracelet or use it as a bookmark.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Yarn

• Scissors

Recreate Bruno's cave adventure using household items to practice bravery in dark or scary situations. Discussion Tip: While inside the 'cave,' discuss a time your child felt lost or scared and how they found their way back to a 'bright' place.

Instructions:

1. Drape several blankets over chairs or a table to create a long, dark 'cave' tunnel in the living room.

2. Place pillows inside the tunnel to act as 'rocks' or 'tough situations' that must be climbed over.

3. Have the child enter the cave with a flashlight, navigating through the 'dark and wet' environment just like Bruno.

4. At the end of the tunnel, place the 'Friendship Rope' or 'Coping Ax' created in previous activities as the prize for making it through.

5. Encourage the child to guide a sibling or parent through the cave using only their voice to build trust.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Blankets

• Flashlight

• Pillows

Construct a small nature habitat to learn about empathy for the creatures and people we meet. Discussion Tip: Ask your child how they think the hedgehog felt meeting Bruno and how they can be kind to new people at school who might seem 'prickly' at first.

Instructions:

1. Take an empty shoebox and cut a small four-inch square opening on one of the short sides to serve as a door.

2. Go outside and collect dry leaves, small twigs, and grass to fill the inside of the box, making it soft and warm.

3. Decorate the outside of the box with markers, drawing scenes of the forest and a friendly hedgehog.

4. Write a 'Welcome Note' on a small piece of paper and tuck it inside the entrance.

5. Place the habitat in a quiet corner of the house or a covered porch to remind the family to always provide a safe space for others.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Shoebox

• Natural materials

• Paper and pens