Early Atlas

Activity

Gentle Helpers

Caregivers model comforting a sad teddy so toddlers practice caring responses.

Ages 14–36 months

Inspired by Waldorf empathy prosocial caring

Supports this milestone

  • expresses care and concern towards others. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • A few soft toys or dolls
  • A small blanket and a toy bandage or cloth

Steps

  • Pretend a teddy is sad or has a hurt knee and name its feeling.
  • Wonder aloud, for example "Teddy is sad — how can we help?"
  • Model a gentle action such as a soft pat, a hug, or covering Teddy with a blanket.
  • Invite each child to offer their own comforting action and warmly name it.
  • Connect it to real life, for example "you can help a friend feel better too."

Variations

  • Act out caring for a doll who dropped a toy or bumped a knee.
  • Read a short story about helping and pause to comfort the character.

Differentiation

  • For younger toddlers, demonstrate the action and let them copy.
  • For older toddlers, ask what the toy might need and follow their ideas.

Accessibility

  • Model caring actions clearly and slowly for children who learn by watching.
  • Accept any caring attempt, including a glance or fetching an adult.

Safety

  • Keep props soft and free of small parts; supervise gentle handling.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas