Sensory Kit for Foster Youth

Classic Kynd Kit

Gratitude Practice

Let's start by taking a moment to practice gratitude.

What are three things that you are grateful for that you might otherwise take for granted?
Think back to when you were a child (or maybe you still are a child) who is someone in your life that you considered to be a role model and why?

The Recipient

The child welfare system can be confusing and lonely at times. These activity kits will provide some much-needed distractions and will allow for these kids to feel just as they should – like kids!

The Reason

These kits will be gifted to children involved with Advocates for Children at CASA. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. These community volunteers, or CASAs, are trained to advocate on behalf of children who are involved in the child welfare system as a result of abuse or neglect. Most of these kids are in out-of-home placements such as foster care, group homes, or kinship care.

Create a fun and interactive activity kit for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers to take to the children they are working with. These kits may be used by the children as they wait for their court hearing, visit with their parents in a supervised setting, or to just have some fun with their CASA volunteer.

Unpack the Box

Take everything out of the box.
Lay everything out so you can find what you need to build the kit.

Create Your Kynd Code

Please follow the instructions on this card to create your own Kynd Code. This Kynd Code will be included in the final kit.

*Make note of your Kynd Code. You will use this code at the end of the project.

See an Example

Find the Kynd Card

This is for you to spread extra kyndness to someone in your own life. Consider writing a note to a friend, loved one, or colleague that you are grateful for. Address the note and send it in the mail or give it to someone in person.

DO NOT include this in the finished kit.

See an Example

Write a Note to the Recipient

1. Find the following items:

Blank card and matching envelope
Enclosed materials such as crayons, markers, stickers

2. Write your letter and decorate the card.

Use the enclosed materials to decorate the card.
- Express your encouragement and include a hopeful message.
- Decorate the front and the inside of the card.

- - Helpful Tips:
    - Do not include a date or year on the letter.
    - Avoid politics completely and religion in excess.
      * Can’t think of what to write, draw a picture!

3. Decorate the envelope.

Use the enclosed materials to decorate the envelope that will hold your card.
- Make it colorful and fun. Decorate the front and back of the envelope.

4. Put the completed card in the envelope you decorated.

Include the Kynd Code sheet with the card.

Decorate the Plastic Bag

1. Find the following items:

Write-on plastic bag
Permanent markers

2. Decorate the plastic bag.

The plastic bag is designed to be written on.
Use the enclosed markers to write an encouraging message or draw a picture on the white panel on the plastic bag.

See an Example

DIY Jigsaw Puzzle

1. Find the following items:

Blank Jigsaw Puzzle
Small white envelope
Markers, crayons, pen, etc.

2. Assemble the puzzle

You will need to start with the puzzle assembled

3. Draw a picture or put a special message on the front of the puzzle.

Use the whole puzzle, filling it with color or messaging from edge-to-edge.

4. Prepare the small white envelope to hold the puzzle.

This envelope will hold the completed puzzle.
Decorate one side of the small white envelope with a picture or message.
Use the other side of the small white envelope to explain how to assemble the puzzle and what it will look like when it is done.

5. Take the puzzle apart and put the pieces in the envelope.

6. Seal the envelope.

Surprise Kyndness

Go through the pages of the activity pad and coloring book and write uplifting messages or draw small colorful images for the child.

Pack the Kit

Pack all of the materials into the decorated plastic bag and put it back into the original box.
Make sure the Kynd Code is included.
Add any optional items you would like.

Optional Items to Add