The start of a new year is an exciting time. But for many children, the new year can bring a new set of challenges. 

It could be a new school environment, a different syllabus, more unfamiliar faces, evolving expectations from parents and peers — and the list goes on and on.

At My Good Brain, we recognize the importance of art and play in helping children, caretakers, and educators navigate big (and sometimes confusing) feelings. That’s why we built a Winter 2024 tool kit to help children start the year feeling centered and present.

We’re excited to announce another successful Winter Tool Kit program! Our tiny but mighty team of volunteers created, assembled, and delivered over 100 tool kits to schools in the Bay Area. 🎉

This year’s theme: Being centered and present

This Winter, our tool kit was filled with art activities that encourage children to be proud of the person they are at this very moment, to cherish the relationships they have today, and to find fulfillment in sharing the beauty of the present with those who need it. 

We believe these values are important in helping children (and naturally, the people around them) build their self-esteem and manage the anxiety of not being good enough to reach new goals and expectations.

This Tool Kit is a great resource to supplement social-emotional learning programs, helping young students build resilience and motivation by: 

💙 Being their biggest cheerleader

🎯 Turning big goals into small, attainable steps 

🌎 Looking outward into the community for strength and support

We want to express our sincere appreciation and joy to be able to deliver tool kits to the following schools for sharing these values in their classrooms!

• Eldridge Elementary School

• Tyrell Elementary School

• Treeview Elementary School

• Azevada Elementary School

• Fred E. Weibel Elementary School

• Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

• Fremont Unified School District/Blacow

• Fremont Unified School District / Mission San Jose Elementary

A peek into the tool kit 

Being centered and present is a complex topic that can be hard to relay to young children in an effective, age-appropriate way. We explore this theme by centering the tool kit activities around three components: 

Helping children appreciate who they are today

Amidst New Year resolutions and goal-setting, it is easy to tell yourself that what you’ve done in the past year simply isn’t good enough — especially if parents and educators have new expectations. Our art activities aim to help children approach goal-setting activities while recognizing that the person they are today is worthy of celebration and love. 

Helping children find a foundation in their community

We want children to recognize the beauty of the present reflected in the people around them. Anxiety and stress can come from a place of loneliness and a fear of being misunderstood. In the tool kit, you can find activities that help children explore the meaning of a support system and engage in conversations about building a safe space in the new year. 

Helping children realize that they’re a part of something bigger

To be centered and present is to understand our place in the world. Learning empathy, compassion, and respect is the best way to recognize what it means to cherish the present. We’ve included activities encouraging children to share joy with others, help those in need, and care for their environment. 

What is the My Good Brain Tool Kit Program?

Every academic year, we curate a kit of guided resources and art supplies to help students learn about their mental and emotional health.

Our Tool Kits are meant for elementary and middle school students ages 5 to 13. With these art activities, we want to give educators in the classroom and even parents at home resources that can help build:  

• A proactive approach to managing the socio-emotional health of students

• Fun and safe ways to engage in difficult conversations 

• Accepting and compassionate communities of students with a shared interest in art

We’re always looking for new ways to expand the reach and impact of our Tool Kit program! You can learn more about the program here and contact us if you are interested in helping us share our mission with more students and educators.