Reflecting on Achievements With a “My Accomplishments” Book

Ask your child to think of a time they got frustrated trying to do something on their own, such as kicking a soccer ball, riding a tricycle, or tying a shoe. Talk about how these skills got better with lots of practice. How did your child feel when they accomplished the goal? Explain that feeling proud means feeling really good about something you did. In the Sesame Street episode "Practice Makes Proud," Elmo became frustrated playing basketball, so Abby cast a magic spell to help him get the ball in the basket. Talk to your child about why Elmo asked Abby to turn back the magic spell. Then, role play and pretend to be Elmo and Abby. Ask your child what they would do in Elmo's situation and why. Talk about some strategies your child can use if they are having difficulty learning a new skill. Together, brainstorm some ways to cope with frustration such as taking deep breaths or taking a break and coming back to the task later. Remind your child that if they keep trying and working hard they can overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals.

Help your child make a book of accomplishments. Encourage your child to draw pictures, or take a picture practicing a new skill and glue it onto a piece of paper.

When the pages are finished, make a cover and add blank pages toward the end of the book so that your child can add more drawings when accomplishing new things.

Staple the pieces of paper together. Keep the book in a special place for your child to look at, and as they get older, remind your child of all the things they have accomplished!