PRESCHOOL / EARLY YEARS
Consistent, calm support helps children learn what explanations alone cannot.
Young children develop emotional skills through repeated safe experiences, not through instruction alone.
In early years environments, feelings are often expressed through behaviour rather than words. When children feel overwhelmed, anxious, or dysregulated, the thinking part of the brain becomes harder to access, making reasoning or explanation ineffective in the moment.
Some children, particularly those with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits, may need more time, repetition, and sensory support to build these foundational skills.
These resources are designed to fit naturally into everyday routines, during play, transitions, quiet moments, or after incidents, helping children gradually recognise feelings, regulate their bodies, and develop emotional understanding without pressure or formal teaching.
When the two dogs met
Meet Casper & Bentley
Casper and Bentley are two friendly golden retrievers who guide children through emotional experiences in a warm, non-judgmental way.
They are not teachers or authority figures, simply companions who help children feel safe while learning about themselves.
For many children, especially those who are neurodivergent or sensitive, learning alongside a friendly character feels far less overwhelming than direct instruction.
Casper has grown from a puppy into a calm, confident dog, supported by Bentley, his older companion who guides and reassures him.
Supporting children with emotional growth in a way the don't know they are learning
This is Casper and Bentley. Casper is always learning from his older friend.
Why This Approach Works in Group Settings
Young children in early years environments are learning emotional skills alongside many other developmental demands. In busy classrooms, feelings are often expressed through behaviour, movement, or withdrawal rather than words.
When a child becomes overwhelmed, the thinking part of the brain is harder to access. In these moments, reasoning, instructions, or consequences may not be effective. Support needs to begin with helping the child feel calmer and safe before learning can take place.
These resources provide simple, consistent ways for staff to support children during everyday situations such as transitions, group activities, or after incidents. Because they are play-based and visual, they can be used with the whole group or with individual children without singling anyone out.
Repeated use helps children gradually recognise feelings, regulate their bodies, and build emotional understanding over time. This can reduce distress, support behaviour, and create a calmer environment for everyone.
For Real Everyday Life
These resources are designed for use in ordinary family moments, not special “teaching sessions.”
They can help during:
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Meltdowns or emotional overwhelm
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Bedtime worries
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Transitions and changes
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After difficult experiences
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Calm connection time
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Daily check-ins
Some children will engage immediately. Others may watch or listen first. Both are part of learning.
Resources for Early Years Settings
All resources are designed to be simple, gentle, and practical, with no need for specialist training or additional preparation.
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They may be particularly helpful for children who:
• Experience intense or unpredictable emotions
• Find it difficult to express feelings with words
• Become overwhelmed easily in busy environments
• Are anxious, sensitive, or need extra reassurance
• Have ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits
• Benefit from visual, concrete, or play-based support
Big Feelings Support Pack
A gentle collection of resources designed to support children through big feelings at home, helping them feel safe, understood, and gradually more confident.
A ready-to-use set of resources designed to support children experiencing big feelings. Ideal for calm areas, nurture spaces, or one-to-one support.
Calm Corner Starter Pack
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2 Storybooks of your choice in the series Reading regularly with children helps to model feelings and coping through familiar situations children can relate to.
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Feelings Cards
Visual prompts that help children recognise emotions and talk about feelings in a simple and fun way
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Big Feelings Door
An interactive tool showing how strong emotions can block thinking, and how calm helps it open again.
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Feelings journal page
Printable pages that help children notice and express feelings through drawing and colouring, without pressure to write or explain.
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Simple adult guide
Simple guidance on using the resources together to support children calmly and consistently.
Story book
Journal
Individual Resources
