Activities

Helping Out

It's fun to lend a helping hand.

Materials

• Paper
• Pencil
• Markers or crayons
• Scissors

Directions
Your child might enjoy making "helping hand coupons" to give to family members and friends. A "helping hand coupon" is a promise to do something helpful for another person. It might say, "I will help you set the table." Or, "I will make you a picture for your office." Or, "I will tell you a bedtime story when you are tired." Help your child make a "helping hand coupon" by tracing around his or her hand on a piece of paper. After cutting out the outlined hand, he or she can write the message on one side (or dictate it to you), and on the other side draw a picture of the helpful thing he or she is promising to do.

Talk About It
Children feel good about themselves when they know they are participating members of the family, expected and able to be of help. Talk with your child, pointing out and praising the ways he or she contributes to life at home: by giving hugs and making others feel happy, by doing certain things independently (like brushing teeth), and by being part of the family work force (helping to put away groceries or clean laundry, et cetera.) Ask your child if there are other chores he or she might like to try out, maybe assisting you or another family member. You could suggest some possibilities that you think might be fun, interesting, and safe for your child.

Related Books
Be My Neighbor by Maya Ajmera
One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root
Sheila Rae the Brave by Kevin Henkes

Next: High in the Sky
Back to Activities Index

Age Range: 4-6

Skills/Subjects:

• Creative Expression
• Fine Motor
• Language and Literacy Development

Related Episodes:

• #123: The Lucky Duck
• #114: Lionel's Great Escape Trick
• #308: Help!
• #601: Knuffle Bunny
• #601: Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash