Small Bags, Big Lessons: Building Resilience Through Reading and Play
Sometimes the biggest lessons for children start with something simple: a story, a handful of art supplies, and the encouragement to keep trying.
Thanks to a recent grant from Cadence Bank, Parenting Matters is creating and distributing Emotional Regulation Activity Bags that will support children and families participating in several of our programs. These activity bags are designed to inspire early literacy, emotional awareness, creativity, and resilience—all while giving parents practical ways to connect with their children through learning and play.
Each bag includes a children’s book, drawing and writing materials, and activity instructions that Parenting Educators can use to guide families through meaningful conversations and creative exercises. These tools help parents and children work together to name emotions, practice calming strategies, and explore problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.
At the heart of the activity bag is the book How to Catch a Dinosaur by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton. In the story, a group of children enters their school science fair with an ambitious goal: catching a dinosaur.
Of course, that’s easier said than done.
The children brainstorm creative solutions—from building a prehistoric playground to designing a “Robo Hugger 9000.” Even when their plans don’t go exactly as expected, they keep trying, using imagination and teamwork to tackle the challenge.
In the end, the dinosaur may remain uncaptured, but the children gain something far more valuable: the realization that persistence, open-mindedness, and believing in your ideas matter more than getting everything right the first time.
That message is highlighted on every activity bag:
“Sometimes the biggest win is not giving up.”
After reading the story, families can continue the learning with hands-on activities inside the bag. Children are encouraged to draw, write, and explore creative solutions to problems, while parents participate alongside them—building stronger connections and creating moments of shared discovery.
The project was developed by Jackie Hester, Parenting Educator with the Chosen Families program, who saw an opportunity to combine storytelling, emotional learning, and creativity into one engaging resource for families.
By placing these tools directly into the hands of parents and children, Parenting Matters helps transform everyday moments—like reading a book together—into opportunities to build resilience, critical thinking skills, and stronger family connections.
Because sometimes the most important lesson for a child isn’t catching the dinosaur.
It’s learning to keep trying.