Life Lessons for Children

A Workbook to Help Kids Cope

During the Coronavirus Pandemic
By Denise Daniels, rn, ms

YALE CHILD STUDY CENTER

YALE CHILD STUDY CENTER
+ SCHOLASTIC COLLABORATIVE
+ SCHOLASTIC COLLABORATIVE
for Child &forFamily Resilience
Child & Family Resilience
 t er t o G row n - U ps
A Let
nities
ea rly ev er y mo me nt of a child’s life offers opportu
time of discovery. N
Childhood is an amazing lem-solving,
e sk ills , su ch as ca rin g, listening, empathy, prob
onal intelligenc
to teach important emoti all en gi ng times such as these.
lar ly tru e in ch
ience. That holds particu
self-regulation, and resil s that
ve be en thr us t int o ex traordinary circumstance
emic, families ha
During the current pand experience
lon g- ter m eff ec ts on ch ildren’s well-being. Past 
th short- and
may be life-changing, wi ke an enormous
tha t ca rin g gr ow n-u ps in children’s lives can ma
taught us
during global crises has priate information, and
helpful
as su ra nc e, ag e-a pp ro
safety, comforting re
difference by providing otional stress,
sm ar t ab ou t fee lin gs can help alleviate their em
learn to be
guidance. Helping children ment.
ir im mu ne sy ste m, an d enhance brain develop
boost the
improve concentration, t that.
r ch ild re n wa s de sig ned to help you do jus
s workbook fo
This First Aid for Feeling e children
fo un d in thi s wo rk bo ok, you can encourag
ping strategies
By using the simple co and manage
d fe eli ng s. Th es e life skills may help reduce
estions, an
to express thoughts, qu wi thin their changing lives
.
me se ns e of co ntr ol
ty, and provide so
children’s stress or anxie nversations,
op le we ar ing ma sk s, overhearing anxious co
seeing pe
Children may be upset by nes completely
op le the y ca re ab ou t, and having their routi
from pe
being physically distant ing carefully to what they
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ha vio r wh ile lis ten
to observe their be
disrupted. It’s important emotional
l ne ed s ha ve be en met, meeting children’s
diate physica
saying. Once their imme or fear.
lpi ng the m de al wi th their confusion, anxiety,
needs is key to he that
thi s wo rkb oo k wi ll pr ovide resilience strategies
offered through
The emotional support to cope
nt cri sis . Th es e ac tiv itie s will help children learn
beyond the curre
will serve children well onal tools for
ing up an d wi ll he lp equip them with the emoti
ges of gr ow
with the everyday challen
successful life.
a happy, healthy, and during this
r ch ild re n’s ph ys ica l and emotional securit y
ensure ou
All of us are working to
ther!
enging time— an d we will get through this toge
chall

Denise Daniels, RN, MS ef Institute

Gri
Founder ofthe National Childhood
 This workbook is for YOU!
My name is  .

I live in ,  .
City State

Today’s date is  .

A Changing World
The world is changing all the time. Some
changes happen suddenly and last for a
short time, and others are longer. Even
though change may seem scary, it can also
be a chance for you to learn and grow.
The big change that lots of people are
talking about right now is the coronavirus.
If you’re like most kids, this may be a pretty
confusing time for you. Maybe your school
has been temporarily closed, or maybe
a family member is worried about not
working, or perhaps you’re upset because
you can’t get together with your friends.

Use the space below to list some of the changes you are currently facing.


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 What I Know… and Want to Know
Your family love you and want to keep you safe. They can be your very best
source for information. Lots of kids are wondering, what IS the coronavirus?
Scientists tell us that the novel (or new) coronavirus is a different type of virus.
It’s a tiny germ that can spread to people and make them sick.
That’s why we are taking so many safety precautions—like asking you not to
touch your face and to wash your hands frequently. Now is an important time
for you to have information about the virus.
Use the space below to tell what you
have heard about the coronavirus.

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?
Asking questions is a good way to help you understand what is
happening. There are no wrong questions, so don’t be afraid to
ask! There are lots of places you can go to find the answers to your
questions, like asking a grown-up, your teacher, your doctor, the City
Hall where you live, the internet, or the library (online for now)!
Make a list of some of the questions you may have:

4
 What To Do When I Feel Afraid
If you’re like a lot of kids, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed.
We really aren’t sure what’s going to happen next, and that can
feel scary. When you are afraid, here are some things you can do
to feel better.
Circle the ones you would like to try.
Turn off the TV! Talk to a Curl up and read
caring grown-up your favorite book.
Drink a glass about feeling afraid.
of cold water. Get the facts.
Take some
Listen to deep breaths Draw a picture of
calming music. and exhale slowly. what you are afraid of.

Write in a Tell yourself to be brave Get and give hugs

feelings journal. and that you’ll be okay. (virtually, if needed!)
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Your feelings send messages to your brain that affect how you think, feel,
and act. When you express them, others can understand what you’re
going through. Remember: All feelings are okay… but keeping them inside
can cause aches and pains.
Circle the feelings you are having right now.
Loved Sick Confused
Frustrated Grouchy Nervous
Trusting Happy Angry
Bored Lonely Thankful
Afraid Brave Excited

Proud Relieved Sad

Tired Stressed
When things seem scary Worried Surprised
and you tremble with
fear, tell yourself to be Other Feelings:
brave and your courage

will appear!

5
 Taking Care of Family
Now would be a good time to have a family meeting to talk about how your family
members are taking care of their health. It’s also a good time to practice certain
ways you can take care of yourself.

Circle the ones you are already doing.

Stand six giant steps away Wash your hands before you eat,
from your friends or neighbors. after using the bathroom, and after
sneezing or coughing.
Wave instead of shaking hands.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds
(sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” two times
Call or video chat with your friends
to make sure you’re washing long enough).
whenever you are lonely.

Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruit

Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
and vegetables, and be sure to

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drink plenty of water.
MAKE SURE you don’t touch
your face, eyes, or nose.
Most of all, listen to your body.
If you don’t feel well, tell a grown-up
Exercise your body and your brain. how you are feeling.

Get lots of rest, even on weekends.

Rest will help protect your body.

6
 Make a Daily Plan
When you are going through big changes, it’s helpful to stick
to your normal routine. Do your homework every day, get some
fresh air and exercise, and have regular mealtimes and bedtimes.
If you don’t already have a daily schedule, use this chart to
create one. Ask a grown-up to help you list all the things
you do each day and what time of day you do them.

Morning Afternoon Evening

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Calming Corner
A Calming Corner is a safe and comfy place you can go when you need to
calm down. Having time to yourself is important during times of stress.
Circle what you want to add to your Calming Corner.

Beanbags Squeeze ball Journal and crayons

Glitter jar
Pinwheel (for taking Fish tank
Soft rug slow, deep breaths) with goldfish

Other ideas: 
7
 People Care About Me!
In difficult times, it’s comforting to spend extra time with those you love and care
about. Reading together, playing board games, working on a puzzle together,
or if allowed, hiking or going for a walk or bike ride are some good ideas to
help your family to stay connected. Use this space below to make a list
of all the people who care about you and what you like to do together.
(You might be surprised at how many people there are!)

People Who Care What We Do Together

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8
 The Helpers Who Keep Me Safe
It’s important for you to know that many caring and courageous heroes are
working hard to keep you healthy and safe. When there are emergencies,
people always come together to help one another, especially the kids, and that’s
a good thing for you to know! Some of the people who are working hard to
keep you and your family healthy are:

All the grown-ups Teachers and principals Bus drivers

in your life who are
protecting you Men and women serving Other countries
in the National Guard
Health care workers, People who work at your
including doctors, Scientists local grocery store
nurses, and others
Emergency responders Public workers who keep
The president, governor, our cities clean
mayor, and leaders
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Police and firefighters

of other government Truck drivers who
agencies bring us food and
Pharmacists
medical supplies

There are many helpers all around you. Can you think of any others?

9
 Let Those
Feelings Out!
Remember when we talked about
expressing your feelings? Here are some
good ways for you to let your feelings out.
Circle some of the ones that work
best for you, and add other ideas.

Draw a picture of how Find a quiet place Make your

you’re feeling right now. to meditate favorite meal
(think calming with a grown-up.
Laugh out loud. thoughts).
Write in
Talk to someone who Send positive thoughts a feelings journal.
cares about you. about those who have

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been affected. Do something creative,
Make a feelings collage like make a piece of
from old magazines: Make a happy jewelry, a sculpture out
cut out pictures that memories scrapbook. of clay or art dough,
show people feeling or a cheerful card for
different emotions. Read a book about someone who is sick
feelings, such as or lonely.
Have a good cry The Grumpy Monkey,
when you need to! When Sophie Gets Angry, Do something nice
or The Way I Feel. for someone else.
Help those in need.
Helping others is a good Spend time playing Dance while listening
way to help yourself. with your favorite pet. to your favorite music.

Other ideas:


10
 Sometimes It’s ANNOYING!
If you’re like most kids, there might be times when you feel frustrated or even
angry because you aren’t able to be with your friends or do the things you
would like to do. It’s natural to feel this way when everything around you seems
upside down. It’s important to find healthy ways to express angry feelings.
Here are some things you can do to help you manage those really big feelings.
Circle the ones that work best for you, and add other ideas.

Get some exercise— If allowed, run around Write a letter to yourself

it’s the #1 stress buster! outside. It’s a great way about why you’re
to let off steam. feeling frustrated.
Watch a funny movie.
Plan to have some Yell into your pillow.
Take a s-l-o-w deep future fun. Decide
breath, then exhale what you would like to Listen to loud music
s-l-o-w-l-y. Do this do when you are able while stomping around.
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several times to to be with your friends

calm down. again. Pound some play clay.

Count from one to ten. Do some stretches Talk to a caring

or yoga poses. grown-up about
Call or video chat (You can make up why you’re angry.
with friends to share your own, such as
how all of you feel. making an animal Close your eyes and
shape with your body, imagine you’re in one of
Paint a picture. or pretending you’re your favorite places.
reaching for the stars.)

Other ideas:
When you’re feeling angry,
 take a deep breath
and count to ten...
and before you know it,

you’ll feel better again!


Remember, all feelings are okay, but it’s never

okay to hurt yourself or others to feel better!
11
 Same and Different
Remember when we talked about change? Some changes are easy, but some
are harder. Maybe you have just moved, or you are going to a new school,
or your family members are living in different places. Those can be really big
changes for everyone! If you are going through a big change, you may use
the chart below to talk about your big change, and then fill in the chart.

Things that Things that

will change will stay the same

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Every ending brings
a new beginning . . .
and good memories
last forever!

12
 Looking Forward
Many people are upset about the changes caused by the coronavirus.
But with all of us working together, in time things will settle down and
get back to normal again. In times like this, it’s really helpful to make
plans to look forward to in the future.

List or draw some of the things you would like to do with your family
and friends once things get back to normal.
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13
 Take Your Feelings Temperature
Scientists and doctors are hard at work
to figure out the coronavirus and how
to keep us all safe and healthy. In the
not too distant future, you’ll be able to
go back to school, play sports, and
hang out with your friends. The parks,
our places of worship, libraries, stores,
and restaurants will open, and you’ll be
able to do all the things you enjoy.
Your family loves and cares about you.
They will always do their best to keep
you safe and healthy. The best thing
you can do to help during this time

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of uncertainty is to take good care of
yourself, because there’s just one you!
Taking care of yourself includes
checking in on your emotions.
Use this Feelings Thermometer to
keep track of your moods... and be
sure to let all the people who care
about you know how you’re doing!

Congratulations on all the hard

work you have done in your
First Aid for Feelings workbook.
You have learned many important
things about how to take care
of yourself in difficult times.
Pat yourself on the back for
a job well done!

14
 Congratulations!
has completed the First Aid for Feelings workbook with flying colors.

Date Signature

YALE CHILD STUDY CENTER

YALE CHILD STUDY CENTER
+ SCHOLASTIC COLLABORATIVE
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Child & Family
for Child &forFamily Resilience
Resilience

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 Further Resources
Scholastic Learn at Home
scholastic.com/learnathome
Teaching Our World
scholastic.com/coronavirus
Yale Child Study Center+Scholastic Collaborative
for Child & Family Resilience
medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/scholasticcollab

The Collaborative for Child & Family Resilience recognizes

the power of story and social connectedness to foster resilience
among children, families, and communities in times of crisis.
We are committed to helping children and families develop
coping strategies, create supportive networks, and rewrite
the narratives of their futures.

Denise Daniels, RN, MS

Creator of The Moodsters
Denise Daniels, RN, MS. is a Peabody
Award-winning broadcast journalist, child
development expert, and author, whose
workbooks have reached more than
15 million schoolchildren. She is frequently
called upon for her expertise and parenting
advice during times of national and global
crisis, emergencies, and natural disasters.

Scholastic is not responsible for the content of third-party websites and does not endorse any site
or imply that the information on the site is error-free, correct, accurate, or reliable.
Moodster illustrations by Aardvart. Author photo by Vick Photography, Edina, Minnesota.
All other photos © Shutterstock.com.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or The Moodsters help children learn how to recognize,
otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, understand, and manage their emotions.
write to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. www.themoodsters.com

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Copyright © 2020 by JellyJam Entertainment Inc.
All rights reserved. Published by Scholastic Inc.
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ISBN: 978-1-338-72435-6

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