This craft activity is a great way to help children talk about their feelings and act out and explore issues safely using their own handmade Ooglies.   

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You will need:

• Plasticine or playdough
• Pipe cleaners
• Wooden lollipop sticks
• Thick paper or card 
• Scissors
• Stick on eyes
• Felt tips or colouring pencils
• Sticky tape or glue 
• Sticky gem stones 
• Foam shapes

Consider the safety of using any small parts or items with very young children and choose appropriately.

Instructions:

1. Let children have freedom to create their own little Ooglies. You may wish to pre-make a few examples to illustrate what you want them to create. They can colour, draw, stick, paint, mould, shape, and create to their own ability level.

2. Once the Ooglies are made, it’s play time!

3. Introduce the Ooglies to each other: What is your Ooglie’s name? What does your Ooglie like to eat? What does your Ooglie like to do? 

4. Start to introduce feelings: How is your Ooglie feeling today? Are they happy? What is making them feel happy?

5. You may want to create a scenario similar to the child’s experiences at the moment:

• My Ooglie is feeling a bit sad today
• This Ooglie’s daddy/brother has died
• Ooglie has a sore tummy
• Ooglie does not want to sleep in his own bed
• Ooglie does not like it when his mummy has to go to work
• How can we help Ooglie to feel better?

This will allow the child to act out and explore these issues safely because they are talking about the Ooglie and not themselves. Very young children may not be able to have these discussions with you. You also need to consider the safety of using any small parts or items with them. They might enjoy making a figure, or watching you make one, drawing a face and acting out and telling the story of the Ooglies. Just follow the child’s lead and play with them at their level. They will be learning things from what you say and do even if they cannot say much or express themselves fully yet.