Scripts
The following scripts have been included to act as a guide for educators who are uncertain how to begin puppet play, role play, questioning and guided discussions, to support children's emotional self-regulation.
Puppet role-play script
Below is a template of a puppet role-play. This is for scripted use or to act as an example. Choose two puppets. You can either act out both characters on different hands using different voices, or have another educator assist you by acting out the role of the second puppet. Words are in italics.
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Sally enters looking high and low.
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Sally: Has anybody seen Fred? Fred, Fred, where are you? Oh, there you are Fred. I was trying to find you. What are you doing in the calm down area?
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Fred: Hi Sally. Mum told me she can’t pick me up from preschool today because she’s working. I felt sad, so I came in here to try and feel better again. I was just thinking some happy thoughts.
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Sally hugs Fred.
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Sally: Were your happy thoughts making you feel any better?
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Fred: They sure were. I just remembered Uncle Sam is picking me up and he always takes me for ice-cream, so I guess that’s something to look forward to.
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Sally: Yum! I love ice-cream.
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Fred: Me too.
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Sally: Oh I am glad you feel better.
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Sally hugs Fred again.
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Fred: Thanks Sally. I feel better having spoken to a friend, and the hugs made it better too.
Role-play script
Below is a template of a role-play. This is for scripted use or to act as an example. Have another educator role-play with you in front of the group. Words are in italics.
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Introduction:
Today name and I are going to pretend to be other people in a play whilst you watch, just like when you watch actors on TV. We are going to pretend to be kindergarten kids. How funny!! In this play, something doesn’t go my way, and I have to remember to calm down. Okay, everyone quiet. It’s time to watch.
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Sitting at a table, both children reach for the same object.
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Child 1: Hey, I want that. Give it to me.
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Child 2: No, I got it first.
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Child 1: That’s not fair!!!
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Child 2: It is too.
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Child 1 stands up, with an angry expression on their face, and their fist clenched, looking like they are about to hit Child 2. They stop and turn their back to Child 2.
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To themselves they say: Stop!
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They take 5 deep breaths, and turn back to Child 2.
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Child 1: I feel angry because I really wanted that and you took it. I’m sorry. Can I please have a turn when you’ve finished with it?
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Child 2: That’s okay. I’m finished now. Do you want it?
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Child 1: Yes please. Thanks.
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Child 2 hands over the object. Child 1 sits down and they continue working together at the table.
Scripted questions and guided discussions
Below is a template of questions and guided discussion related to emotional self-regulation. This is for scripted use or to act as an example. If you choose to use the script, you may complete it in one sitting, or over several days or weeks. Words are in italics.
Put your hand up if you have ever felt happy.
Await response.
It’s a nice comfortable feeling to be happy, isn’t it?
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What makes you happy?
Allow everyone to answer – record answers if you wish.
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Put your hand up if you have ever felt sad.
Await response.
Feeling sad is uncomfortable.
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What makes you sad?
Allow everyone to answer – record answers if you wish.
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What can we do to help ourselves feel happy again when we are feeling sad?
Write down responses.
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Can someone tell us what it means if we feel calm?
Await responses.
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That’s right, when we feel calm, we feel relaxed and content, we aren’t excited, or scared, or sad. It’s a lovely comfortable feeling. I feel calm when I’m lying in a nice warm bath, or getting a massage, or lying on warm sand at the beach.
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When do you feel calm?
Record responses if you wish.
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Put your hand up if you have ever felt worried or scared?
Await responses.
It’s an uncomfortable feeling. No one likes to feel worried or scared.
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What makes you feel that way?
Allow everyone to answer.
Sometimes worrying thoughts might keep us up at night. Did you know there are things you can do to help yourself feel better when you are worried? I call them my Top 5. They are, eat good foods, get some exercise, get enough sleep, use deep belly breathing and think happy thoughts.
Refer to the Top 5 poster (which can be found and printed in the 'Resources' tab).
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What do you do to help yourself feel confident or comfortable again when you are feeling scared or worried?
Record answers if you wish.