Play, Practice, Prepare
Play offers a safe space where children can learn and grow. Play allows children to explore challenges, practice problem-solving skills, and identify choices and potential consequences.
In the Popper and the Pickleberrys series, Parker and Penelope have some very special stuffed animals they use to play out different challenges. Parker and Penelope use a Pickle-Power-Popper-Pause to calm their body, separate from intense emotions, and tap into their imagination to explore their challenge from a new point of view. Through play, Parker and Penelope can safely practice and prepare to face any challenge.
The Game
The Pickle-Power-Popper-Pause Problem Solving Game is a free printable activity for children ages 4-8, featuring characters from the Popper and the Pickleberrys series. The game consists of 6 illustrated cards that depict a challenge and describe what the character is thinking and how they feel.
The Pickle-Power-Popper-Pause Problem-Solving Game is a free printable CBT game for children ages 4-8, featuring characters from the Popper and the Pickleberrys series. The game consists of 6 illustrated cards that depict a challenge and describe what the character is thinking and how they feel.
Children are asked to create their own dream team of their favorite stuffed animals or toys and act out the different challenges to help Boomer, Squeak, and Hoops figure out what to do. The back of each card offers a few prompts adults can use if needed.
The idea is for parents, counselors, or educators to assist in productive play. It is important that the adult follows the child’s lead throughout the activity. Allow the child to be in control of the choices in play and help them explore those various choices, consequences, and subsequent emotions. Additionally, adults should avoid applying any aspects of the play to real life unless the child does so first. Play is meant to provide a safe, non-threatening avenue to explore topics that may feel overwhelming outside of play.
This activity can be used in many ways depending on the child’s developmental, emotional, or behavioral needs. The cards are just meant to offer a jumping-off point; the game can really go in any direction you choose. For example, the adult can steer the play to focus on understanding more complex emotions by narrating the play and identifying different emotions the character may be experiencing. To shift the focus of the play to problem solving, adults may use prompts to help the child identify choices and possible consequences.
Game Variations
· Have children work together in a small group or pair to explore what the character might do.
· Ask the child to come up with a different way the character might think and how that might change how they feel and what they do.
· Try to come up with one positive, one negative, and one totally ridiculous thing the character might do and reward points for each answer.
Download for free at Printables | Tfdlit Com
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