All My Can-Dos
Here's What To Do
Trace an outline of your child’s body on large poster paper with a pencil or marker. (If you don't have large paper, use chalk on pavement or draw a mini-outline of your child on a smaller piece of paper.)
Ask your child, “What are some things you can do? What are some things you're good at or that you like to do?"
Work together to draw pictures of your child’s “can-dos” on the body part that performs it. For example: draw a book on the head if your child likes reading books, draw a soccer ball on the foot if your child plays this sport, or draw a paintbrush on the hand if your child likes to paint.
Talk about how your child is so special for having all these "can-dos!"
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Smile at your child and say, “you are special because you can do many things.”
Engage:
- "We're going to make a poster about all the things you can do. What do you like to do?"
- Talk about your child's positive attributes, like "You are so caring and are really good at cheering up your brother. Maybe we could draw your brother on your heart?"
Encourage:
- Prompt your child to talk about some "can-dos." Like: "What do you like to do after school?"
- If your child would like, you can also decorate the body on the poster to look like theirs (matching hair, eyes, skin, favorite color shirt, etc.).
Reflect:
- Ask your child, “what are some things you want to learn how to do in the future”?
Not quite ready?
Point out your child's strengths and cheer them on when they do something great!
Ready for more?
Prompt your child to talk about things they are less-good at, or things they dislike.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to answer questions about things unique to them.