Expressing Feelings through Chalkboard Speech Bubbles

Back to school is here…how many of you just let out a big sigh of relief?

Admit it…it’s okay.

 I don’t blame you. In anticipation of this transition, kids all over are beginning to feel (and acting out) their first day of  school jitters. So, don’t be surprised if your children seem…well, just not themselves.

With all the emotions stirring around inside our children, it’s time to listen to them express how they are really feeling with school starting. Are they feeling nervous, excited, sad- or even mad? All these are normal feelings during a transition like this.

But getting an informative response can be the difficult part for some or our more internal children. Do you ever ask a question such as, “How was your day?” to get a general shrug of the shoulders, “Good.”

End of converstation.

I have a fun light hearted idea that can get your kids expressing and laughing about all those internal emotions without having to respond to direct questions using one of my favorite things right now….SPEECH BUBBLES!

First here’s how to make your speech bubbles.

Materials:

1. Foam board (black would be the best option but they were out when I went shopping for it)

2. Razor blade or a exacto knife

3. Chalkboard paint and brush

4. Dowels

Next, trace around something that can act as a guide for your bubbles…I used a square plate and rounded the edges but I am sure you can print one from the internet to trace.

I just knew this round christmas plate would come handy one day.

Then, cut them out. Note: it is a good idea to have something underneath that you can cut on- obviously, I really didn’t cut it out on my carpet!

Then whip out the black paint and go to town on covering the entire top with several coats. I think I did at least two- maybe three.  But remember, to follow the specific directions for your type and brand of paint.

Duct tape or hot glue a dowel to the back of the Speach bubble.

And there you go- it’s ready to have the kids write out dialogues and make up stories with their speech bubbles.  Don’t forget to snap photos or shoot video of them doing it for them to look at afterwards.

By the way-those too young to write can draw pictures.

Some kiddos may be ecstatic about going to school!

Others… not so much.

I thought of so many ideas to use with these speech bubbles-You can do it to document funny sayings your children may be saying at that moment.

Or… why not have a dinner where the family can only talk to everyone in speech bubbles?

Or …why not have your children come up with a family comic book where you take photos and create a book to read at bed time? Speaking of books-another idea is writing out their favorite things, age, and grade and then creating a book with the Paper Coterie Credit Missy told us about over here!

Find out more about back to school jitters over at my blog: www.weedstowishes.com or what to look for in your children’s stories right here!

xo

Cristi

Cristi: Mommy by day, family counselor, photographer, blogger, and fashionista by night. She’s in love with her extremely supportive husband and her busy toddler whom she likes to call “little man.” She admits to having an obsession with mint oreos and cake batter ice cream. You can find more of her on her fashion blog: www.trulymodlydeeply.com or her parenting blog: www.weedstowishes.com.

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