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There is no wrong way to use this set of tools! Children enjoy exploring the contents of Kitbag and find their own way around its different elements, finding their preferred way to work with it. Some like to start by using the calming oil or by taking a Presence Card and doing what it says whilst using the minute timer – others make up games with the Animal cards – all almost accidentally engendering a feeling of safety and kindness around the users.
Sometimes the Feelings card – a palette of colours which ask “What colour are you feeling today?” is a good way to check out where everyone is. The Animal cards with their qualities help confidence and often children “give” them to each other, suggesting that someone in the group deserves one of the cards, be it patience, understanding – or celebration!. Younger ones will just want to sense the animal without any particular quality being mentioned.
You could try taking a Presence card before bedtime and using the egg timer see do what it says on the card for a whole minute. If everyone does this together you can create a really calm space in the room.
The Wonder Journey music is lovely to listen to at bedtime. It starts with the noises of the street and village before going into much slower and calmer music. Use the calming oil at the same time and you will find yourself much better prepared for sleep.
An alternative is for someone to read the Wonder Journey story whilst the music is going. You can do this when you get in from school to help unwind before getting on with homework and other activities.
Sometimes it can be difficult to talk about how we feel. The wolf and robin puppets help by listening as it is sometimes easier for children to talk to them
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