CEREBRAIN'S CALM DOWN SPACE: Emotional Intelligence for kids, parents and educators
What’s inside...
In this feelings book for children, parents, and educators, characters Cerebrain and Cocoguardián, the Fairy of calm and emotions, provide guidance on managing big emotions such as anger, anxiety, frustration, fear, and sadness. They aim to develop Emotional Intelligence to foster peaceful living. The book is recommended for children aged 3 and above. The author, Carolina Molina O., is a child psychologist, coach, illustrator, and writer with 15 years of experience working with children, families, and teachers.
Age
3-5
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Cerebrain feel when he was overwhelmed, and what did he do to calm down?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Cerebrain? What helped you feel better?
Why is it important to recognize our feelings and find ways to manage them?
What calm down techniques from the book can we try together next time we feel upset?
How do you think understanding our emotions can help us with friends and family?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, express your own feelings and experiences related to emotional management to model openness and show emotional intelligence in action.
Encourage your child to describe their emotions in detail, which can help them understand and articulate their feelings better in future situations.
Praise your child for sharing and being honest about their feelings, reinforcing that all emotions are valid and it’s okay to talk about them.
Use the calm down techniques from the book during times of stress as a practical way of showing their effectiveness, strengthening the connection between the book's lessons and real-life application.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The book features scenarios where characters experience various emotions and use techniques to calm down, demonstrating emotional regulation.
Real-World Application: Children can use the techniques depicted, such as deep breathing or counting to ten, when feeling overwhelmed or upset in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Characters in the book often interact with their peers who are in distress, illustrating how to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate of their friends’ emotions and situations, fostering a nurturing social environment at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents conflicts and challenges that characters must navigate, highlighting the use of communication and creativity to resolve issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply dialogue and creative thinking to resolve conflicts with siblings or peers rather than resorting to negative reactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: Through various characters expressing their thoughts and feelings openly, the book promotes the value of honest communication.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to articulate their emotions and needs clearly to parents and teachers, enhancing their expressiveness and emotional literacy.
Example Lesson: Building resilience
Explanation: Characters face setbacks and are shown adapting and persevering, thus teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face academic or personal challenges without giving up, developing a resilient mindset that is crucial for all aspects of life.