Connecting preschoolers, teachers, and parents
What Could You Do?
Connecting preschoolers, teachers, and parents.
What Could You Do?
What could you do when a child pushes another child?
What could you do when two children don’t want to play with another child?
The early childhood years can be an intense experience for children and the adults around them, especially when conflict arises.
The Happenings Mat is a process for children and adults to use when difficulty arises. It is a way to move from conflict to connection, from punishment to possibility, from distress to understanding. The mat is a tool to help children breathe, identify their feelings and needs and brainstorm possibilities.
I developed and copyrighted The Happenings Mat based upon a process called Nonviolent Communication. This type of communication is about values or needs such as safety, connection or choice. It is about how feelings such as scared or happy arise out of those needs. The mat helps kids and adults connect with what really matters to them by using the language of feelings and needs.
What They Say About The Happenings Mat
What a Preschooler Says
“Let’s go to the mat.”
— Four-year-old boy
What a Teacher Says
“The Happenings Mat is one of the most frequently used materials in our classroom. Children practice self-reflection and conflict resolution with and without partners. The use of this mat has transformed the energy of the classroom because children (and teachers) trust this process.”
— Shannon G.
What Parents Say
“The Happenings Mat is wonderful. We use it daily.”
— Parent of a four-year-old girl
. . .
My children “brought home the language that we still use to identify how they feel and what they might need in connection with their BIG feelings. So many times I hear my daughters say things like: ‘I feel mad and I need space!’ or ‘I feel sad and need connection with you mama.’ I feel so appreciative to hear those words, which allows me to address their needs, rather than focusing on their behavior in those BIG feelings moments.”
— Parent of two children
About me
I have worked with preschoolers as a breathing, feelings and needs specialist for ten years. I enjoy creating materials that support young children’s emotional learning.
My background includes: B.A. in psychology, K-8 WA State teaching certification, WA State approved early childhood trainer, a masters in curriculum and instructional systems, and a masters in public health specializing in health education. My most important educational credential is that I am a parent.
Interested in getting The Happenings Mat? In addition to the mat, I offer training sessions and supporting materials to help learn about and play with the mat.
To introduce the mat in the classroom or at home, I recommend starting with four components:
- The Happenings Mat
- Feelings and Needs Cards
- The Happenings Mat Book
- Getting Started With The Happenings Mat Session Guide
Trainings available for The Happenings Mat
The instructions for use of The Happenings Mat are simple and are printed on the mat itself. At the same time, there are nuances to the use of The Happenings Mat which can be explored and enjoyed with additional support. Therefore, I offer two-hour in person trainings with a maximum of 12 participants. To find out more, please contact me at thehappeningsmat@gmail.com.
Contact Heather Kindem