As parents, teachers, and educators, our goal is to provide a strong foundation for lifelong emotional wellness in all children. Since the pandemic, educators have noticed a need to help students adjust to going to school again. To do this, educators have scrambled for resources that emphasize positivity, connection, and authenticity. Meet Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard—the creators of Slumberkins. Through their innovative products and programs, Slumberkins has become a movement committed to helping kids build social-emotional skills. 

Kelly and Callie recognized the need while they were both working as educators in the school system before the pandemic. They saw a disconnect between home and school and felt that there were not enough resources available to parents to help them support their children’s emotional development. They also saw a need for more socially and emotionally supportive resources for children in the classroom. Teachers can use Slumberkins when working with younger students who are struggling with social and emotional issues.

Slumberkins is an educational toy company  with a  mission is to empower children with the tools they need to develop healthy emotional regulation skills. Slumberkin’s products include books that tell stories of self-discovery and acceptance of emotions as well as cuddly plush animals that act as soothing companions. They also offer various activities designed to help children learn how to express themselves in healthy ways while building self-confidence. 

In this episode Kelly and Callie talk with me about Slumberkins and the way their products benefit children and adults alike. We also discuss how these former educators are continuing to serve their communities, teachers and parents developing emotional intelligence skills such as empathy, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, resilience, and more.

—William Jeffery is curating Flipboard EDU Podcast

“Coach Jeffery” is an award-winning digital learning educator and principal at Columbia High School in Texas. His tech pedagogy continues to drive him to curate educational content on Flipboard that highlights teaching strategies, edtech, and ways to improve student success. He hosts the “Flipboard EDU Podcast” as yet another way to share resources with peers.