First Graders Create Personal "Toolboxes" for Friendships and Big Emotions

First graders read Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends by Apryl Stott as they began getting to know one another and building their classroom community. Students discussed the different “tools” Ruby used to make friends, solve problems, and manage her feelings. The children then created their own tools to add to their personal “toolbox,” including friendship bracelets, squishy toys, and lava lamps to help them connect with others, solve problems, and calm their bodies when they need a little break. These tools will help the first graders navigate new friendships, big feelings, and all of the new experiences that come with starting a new school year!