Introducing Apology Day (13th February) to babies and toddlers can be done in a gentle and age-appropriate way. The following article provides information on Ideas For Introducing Apology Day, Stories For Babies and Toddlers For Introducing Apology Day, Songs and Rhymes About Saying Sorry and Being Kind For Babies and Toddlers and more.
Ideas For Introducing Apology Day
1. Story Time:
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Read a simple story about kindness and saying sorry. Choose books that are easy to understand and have colorful illustrations.
2. Craft Activities:
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Create a "Sorry" handprint or footprint craft. Use paint to make handprints or footprints on paper, and write "Sorry" in the center.
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Make a collaborative art piece where each child adds a handprint or footprint to a large piece of paper, symbolizing unity and forgiveness.
- Heartfelt Apology, Collage. Provide pre-cut heart shapes or assist the toddlers in cutting out heart shapes from construction paper. Let them decorate the hearts with drawings, stickers, or glued-on images. Explain that the hearts represent saying sorry and showing love and kindness to friends.
3. Songs and Rhymes:
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Sing simple songs or rhymes about saying sorry and being kind to others. Use actions and gestures to make it more engaging.
4. Role-Playing:
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Encourage children to role-play scenarios where they might need to say sorry. Use dolls or stuffed animals to act out these situations.
5. Circle Time Discussions:
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Have a circle time where you talk about feelings and how saying sorry can help make things better. Use puppets to make the discussion more interactive.
6. Simple Games:
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Play games that involve sharing and taking turns, emphasizing the importance of being kind and apologizing when needed.
7. Nature Walks:
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Go on a nature walk and talk about how nature can teach us about forgiveness and healing. Collect leaves or flowers to create a nature-themed "Sorry" craft.
8. Music and Movement:
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Use music and movement activities to teach children about saying sorry. Simple dance routines or clapping games can be fun and educational.
9. Visual Aids:
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Use visual aids like posters or flashcards with pictures and words related to saying sorry and being kind.
10. Parent Involvement:
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Encourage parents to participate in these activities and discuss the importance of saying sorry at home.
Stories For Babies and Toddlers For Introducing Apology Day
Here are some wonderful stories that can help introduce the concept of Apology Day (National Sorry Day) to babies and toddlers:
1. "Sorry!" by Genevieve Cote
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Summary: This story follows two friends, Piggy and Bunny, who have a disagreement. Through simple text and charming illustrations, they learn the importance of saying sorry and making amends.
2. "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
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Summary: While this book primarily focuses on gratitude, it also includes themes of friendship and apologizing when Bear realizes he has nothing to share with his friends. It's a gentle way to introduce the concept of saying sorry.
3. "I Am Sorry" (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood) by Becky Friedman and Jason Fruchter
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Summary: Daniel Tiger learns the importance of saying sorry when he accidentally upsets a friend. The familiar characters and engaging story make it easy for young children to understand the concept of apologies.
4. "A Big Guy Took My Ball!" by Mo Willems
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Summary: In this Elephant & Piggie book, Piggie is upset when a big guy takes her ball. Elephant helps her understand the situation, and they learn about misunderstandings and apologies. It's a fun and relatable way to discuss saying sorry.
5. "I'm Sorry (You're Welcome)" by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
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Summary: This book explores different scenarios where characters apologize and make amends. The simple text and colorful illustrations make it accessible for young children.
6. "My Friend Bear" by Jez Alborough
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Summary: This story is about a lonely little boy who finds a friend in a bear. They learn about friendship and the importance of saying sorry when they accidentally hurt each other's feelings.
7. "Llama Llama Time to Share" by Anna Dewdney
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Summary: Llama Llama learns about sharing and saying sorry when a new friend comes to play. The rhyming text and adorable illustrations make it a perfect choice for introducing the concept of apologies to young children.
8. "Sorry (Really Sorry)" by Joanna Cotler and Harry Bliss
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Summary: This book tells the story of a chain reaction of hurt feelings and apologies. It emphasizes the importance of saying sorry and the impact it has on others.
9. "Hands Are Not for Hitting" by Martine Agassi and Marieka Heinlen
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Summary: While not specifically about apologies, this book teaches young children that hands are for helping, not hurting. It includes tips for parents and caregivers on how to discuss apologies and making amends with children.
10. "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister
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Summary: The Rainbow Fish learns about sharing and apologizing when he realizes that being kind is more important than being beautiful. The glittering illustrations and gentle message make it a favorite for young children.
These activities help introduce the concept of Apology Day in a way that is accessible and meaningful for young children. It's a great opportunity to teach them about empathy, kindness, and the importance of reconciliation.
Songs and Rhymes About Saying Sorry and Being Kind For Babies and Toddlers
Here are some sweet and simple songs and rhymes to help babies and toddlers understand the importance of saying sorry and being kind:
1. "The Sorry Song" (Tune: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star")
When you hurt someone, say "Sorry,"
"Sorry" makes them feel happy.
Friends again, we'll play and share,
Saying sorry shows we care.
When you hurt someone, say "Sorry,"
"Sorry" makes them feel happy.
2. "Be Kind" (Tune: "Mary Had a Little Lamb")
We can all be kind today,
Kind today, kind today.
We can all be kind today,
In our own sweet way.
Share a toy or lend a hand,
Lend a hand, lend a hand.
Share a toy or lend a hand,
That's how we be kind.
3. "The Apology Rhyme"
When we say "I'm sorry,"
We make a friend feel glad.
It helps to stop the hurting,
And makes us feel not sad.
Saying "sorry" means you care,
It's the right thing to do.
It helps to mend the friendship,
Between me and you.
4. "Kindness Counts" (Tune: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
Be, be, be so kind,
Show how much you care.
Share a smile, share a hug,
Kindness everywhere.
Say, say, say you're sorry,
When you've made a mistake.
Friends are always there to help,
Make our hearts feel great.
5. "The Kindness Song" (Tune: "London Bridge")
We can be kind every day,
Every day, every day.
We can be kind every day,
In our own sweet way.
Share a toy or lend a hand,
Lend a hand, lend a hand.
Share a toy or lend a hand,
And be a kind friend.
6. "Saying Sorry" (Tune: "Frère Jacques")
Saying sorry, saying sorry,
Is so kind, is so kind.
It shows you care,
It shows you care,
Be so kind, be so kind.
When you hurt, when you hurt,
Someone's heart, someone's heart,
Saying sorry makes it right,
Makes it right, makes it right.
7. "Kindness Everywhere" (Tune: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star")
Kindness, kindness, everywhere,
Show you care, show you care.
Share a smile, share a toy,
Bring a friend so much joy.
Kindness, kindness, everywhere,
Show you care, show you care.
These songs and rhymes are simple and catchy, making it easy for young children to learn about the importance of saying sorry and being kind.