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lenny

Brave at School

Araceli

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Build rapport and introduce the vocabulary of common feelings by exploring and labeling emotions through discussion, slides, a matching game, and a quick self-check worksheet.

Helping a young learner recognize and name feelings creates a safe foundation, reduces anxiety, and builds trust for deeper work on separation worries.

Audience

Kindergarten Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Engaging talk, visuals, game, and worksheet.

Materials

  • Feelings Introduction Slide Deck, - Feelings Chart Worksheet, and - Emotion Matching Game

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Feelings Introduction Slide Deck
  • Print one copy of the Feelings Chart Worksheet
  • Cut and shuffle cards for the Emotion Matching Game
  • Arrange a comfortable, distraction-free seating area

Step 1

Welcome and Rapport Building

5 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and ask about their morning or favorite toy
  • Show a calming stuffed animal or puppet for comfort
  • Explain that today you’ll play and talk about different feelings to help them feel brave at school

Step 2

Introducing Feelings

10 minutes

  • Open the Feelings Introduction Slide Deck
  • Show each slide with a facial expression and ask “What feeling is this?”
  • Model naming feelings (happy, sad, scared, excited) and prompt the student to repeat

Step 3

Emotion Matching Game

5 minutes

  • Lay out the emotion cards from the Emotion Matching Game
  • Ask the student to match a card to the corresponding emotion word
  • Offer praise and encouragement for each correct match

Step 4

Feelings Check-In Activity

7 minutes

  • Hand the student the Feelings Chart Worksheet
  • Ask them to circle or color how they feel right now
  • Discuss their choice and validate their emotion (e.g., “It’s okay to feel this way!”)

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Closing

3 minutes

  • Praise the student for their effort and bravery
  • Remind them it’s normal to feel many emotions at school
  • Give a brief preview: “Next time, we’ll learn a fun breathing trick to help when you feel worried.”
lenny

Slide Deck

Feelings Introduction

We’re going to learn about 4 feelings: Happy, Sad, Scared, and Excited!

Welcome the student and introduce the slide deck. Say: “Today we’re going to learn about feelings! Feelings help us know what’s happening inside our hearts. Let’s look at some feeling faces together.”

Happy

😊 Happy

Show the happy face graphic clearly on the slide. Ask: “What feeling do you see here?” Wait for response, then say: “That’s right, it’s happy! When do you feel happy?”

Sad

😢 Sad

Display the sad face graphic. Prompt: “What feeling is this?” After naming, ask: “Can you tell me something that makes you feel sad sometimes?” Provide validating praise.

Scared

😟 Scared

Show the scared face. Ask: “Who can tell me what feeling this is?” Then: “Sometimes going to school can make us feel scared. What helps you feel less scared?”

Excited

😃 Excited

Present the excited face. Ask: “What feeling do you think this is?” After: “Tell me something that makes you excited!” Offer enthusiastic praise.

How Do You Feel?

Point to the face that shows how you feel today.

Explain: “Now it’s your turn! Point to the face that shows how you feel right now.” Give the student time and praise their choice.

lenny

Worksheet

Feelings Chart Worksheet

Circle or color the face that shows each feeling. Then draw how you feel right now.

  1. 😊 Happy


  2. 😢 Sad


  3. 😟 Scared


  4. 😃 Excited


Draw a picture of how you feel right now:










lenny
lenny

Game

Emotion Matching Game

Match each emotion word card with the corresponding face card. This simple memory-style game helps students connect emotion words to facial expressions.

Materials: 8 cards (4 emotion words, 4 matching faces)

Instructions:

  1. Shuffle all cards and lay them face down in a grid.
  2. The student turns over two cards at a time.
    • If the cards match (word ↔ face of the same emotion), the student keeps the pair and takes another turn.
    • If they don’t match, turn both cards face down again and try another pair.
  3. Continue until all 4 pairs are found.
  4. Celebrate each match with praise to build confidence!

Cards:

  • Word Cards:
    • Happy
    • Sad
    • Scared
    • Excited
  • Face Cards:
    • 😊
    • 😢
    • 😟
    • 😃

Teacher Tips:

  • Offer gentle hints: “Does that face look like happy?”
  • Encourage the student to say the feeling out loud when they find a match.
  • Use enthusiastic praise to reinforce courage and effort.
lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Introduce a simple “balloon breathing” coping strategy and practice it through guided activities to help the student calm anxiety when separated from caregivers.

Teaching a concrete breathing technique empowers the child with a self-soothing tool, reducing panic and building confidence in managing separation worries.

Audience

Kindergarten Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Model and practice breathing through slides, hands-on game, and drawing.

Materials

  • Balloon Breathing Slide Deck, - Balloon Breathing Practice Card, - Bubble Blowing Game, and - Calm Coloring Worksheet

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Balloon Breathing Slide Deck
  • Print one copy of the Balloon Breathing Practice Card
  • Prepare bubble solution and wand for the Bubble Blowing Game
  • Print one Calm Coloring Worksheet
  • Arrange seating with a small soft toy or stuffed animal for belly-breathing practice

Step 1

Welcome and Check-In

5 minutes

  • Greet the student and ask how they feel today using feeling cards from Session 1
  • Validate any worries about school and explain today’s “brave trick” to feel calm

Step 2

Introduce Balloon Breathing

7 minutes

  • Open the Balloon Breathing Slide Deck
  • Explain: “We’ll pretend our belly is a balloon. We’ll breathe slow and big to fill it, then let the air out.”
  • Model the inhale/exhale sequence with a stuffed animal on your belly

Step 3

Guided Practice with Card

8 minutes

  • Give the student the Balloon Breathing Practice Card
  • Walk through each step together: inhale (count to 3), hold, exhale (count to 3)
  • Repeat 4–5 times, praising slow, steady breaths

Step 4

Bubble Blowing Game

7 minutes

  • Introduce the Bubble Blowing Game
  • Have the student blow bubbles slowly, focusing on steady breathing
  • Count how many bubbles they can make in one slow exhale
  • Celebrate each round to reinforce calm breathing

Step 5

Reflect and Draw Calm

3 minutes

  • Hand the Calm Coloring Worksheet
  • Ask the student to color or draw a scene that makes them feel safe and calm at school
  • Praise their effort and remind them they can use balloon breaths anytime
lenny

Slide Deck

Balloon Breathing

We’ll pretend our belly is a balloon. Breathe in big to fill it, then let the air out slowly.

Welcome! Today we’re going to learn a special “balloon breathing” trick to help us feel calm and brave when we worry. Let’s get started!

What Is Balloon Breathing?

• Inhale = fill your belly (balloon) with air
• Hold = keep the air for a moment
• Exhale = let the air out slowly

Explain the idea: “A balloon gets big when it’s full of air.” Show a picture of a smiling animal gently holding a big balloon.

Step 1: Inhale (Count 1-2-3)

😃 Breathe in through your nose slowly
1… 2… 3…
Watch your belly (balloon) get big!

Model placing a soft toy (e.g., teddy bear) on your belly. Breathe in through your nose, making the toy rise.

Step 2: Hold (Count 1-2)

🤗 Keep the air in your balloon belly
1… 2…
Feel the calm inside!

Say: “Hold that air gently—like pausing before you let go of the balloon.” Count softly.

Step 3: Exhale (Count 1-2-3)

😌 Breathe out through your mouth slowly
1… 2… 3…
Imagine the air leaving like a gentle breeze

Demonstrate exhaling through the mouth, making the toy sink back down. Encourage a soft “whoosh.”

Let’s Practice Together!

Use the Balloon Breathing Practice Card
• Inhale (1-2-3)
• Hold (1-2)
• Exhale (1-2-3)
Repeat 4–5 times

Invite the student to join in. Point to the Practice Card and walk through one full breath together.

Remember…

Your belly is your balloon—take big, slow breaths whenever you need to feel brave!

Remind: “Anytime you feel worried, you can use balloon breaths to feel calm.”

lenny

Activity

Balloon Breathing Practice Card

Use this card to practice your “brave balloon” breath whenever you feel worried or scared at school.

🎈 Step 1: Inhale (Count to 3)

• Breathe in slowly through your nose.
• Watch your belly (balloon) get big as it fills with air.

🎈 Step 2: Hold (Count to 2)

• Keep the air gently inside your belly.
• Feel the calm growing inside you.

🎈 Step 3: Exhale (Count to 3)

• Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
• Imagine your balloon softly deflating like a breeze.

Repeat 4–5 times until you feel calm and brave!
You can use these balloon breaths anytime you miss your grown-ups or feel nervous.

lenny
lenny

Game

Bubble Blowing Game

Practice calm, steady breathing by blowing bubbles! This playful activity turns slow exhalation into a fun challenge.

Materials:

  • Bubble solution and wand
  • Small container or shallow dish for solution

Instructions:

  1. Pour bubble solution into the container and dip the wand.
  2. Hold the wand up and take a slow, deep inhale (count 1-2-3), imagining your belly as a big balloon.
  3. Gently place the wand near your mouth and exhale slowly, blowing bubbles one by one.
  4. Count how many bubbles you create in a single breath.
  5. Wipe the wand, dip again, and repeat 3–4 times, aiming for steady, calm breaths each time.

Teacher Tips:

  • Model the inhale–exhale sequence before inviting the student to try.
  • Encourage descriptive language: “I see three bubbles—great slow breath!”
  • Praise effort and point out how the steady breath helps bubbles form: “Your calm exhale made a perfect bubble!”
  • Link back to balloon breathing: “Blowing bubbles is just like letting air out of your brave balloon belly.”
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Calm Coloring Worksheet

Color the picture below of a child in class hugging a stuffed animal under a rainbow. Use your favorite colors to make it bright and cheerful!

[Illustration: A child sitting at a desk, hugging a stuffed animal, with a big rainbow overhead]











Draw Your Own Calm Scene

What else helps you feel calm at school? Draw a picture of a place or activity that makes you feel safe and happy.










lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Establish a predictable separation routine by introducing and sequencing goodbye steps, then practice via role-play and reflection to reduce anxiety around saying goodbye.

Predictable routines help young children feel secure and reduce uncertainty when separating from caregivers. Practicing the routine builds confidence and eases school drop-off worries.

Audience

Kindergarten Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Visual sequencing, discussion, role-play, and drawing.

Materials

  • Separation Routine Slide Deck, - Goodbye Routine Visual Cards, - Role-Play Prompt Cards, and - Routine Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Separation Routine Slide Deck
  • Print and cut the Goodbye Routine Visual Cards
  • Print and prepare the Role-Play Prompt Cards
  • Print one Routine Reflection Worksheet
  • Gather small toys or puppets for role-play scenarios

Step 1

Welcome and Mood Check

5 minutes

  • Greet the student and ask how they feel today
  • Show feeling cards from Session 1 and validate any worries
  • Explain: “Today we’ll create a step-by-step goodbye plan so you feel ready and brave!”

Step 2

Introduce the Goodbye Routine

7 minutes

  • Open the Separation Routine Slide Deck
  • Present each step (e.g., hug, wave, share a secret handshake, “See you soon!”)
  • Ask the student to describe why each step helps them feel safe

Step 3

Sequence with Visual Cards

6 minutes

  • Lay out the Goodbye Routine Visual Cards shuffled
  • Ask the student to place them in the correct order
  • Discuss each card: “Why does this come first? How does it help?”

Step 4

Role-Play Goodbyes

8 minutes

  • Use the Role-Play Prompt Cards and puppets or toys
  • Take turns acting out caregiver and student roles
  • Encourage using the routine steps and positive language
  • Praise calm, confident practice after each round

Step 5

Reflect and Draw

4 minutes

  • Hand the Routine Reflection Worksheet
  • Ask the student to draw their favorite step or how they feel after saying goodbye
  • Discuss the drawing and reinforce that routines make goodbyes easier
lenny

Slide Deck

Goodbye Routine

We will learn 4 easy steps to say goodbye:

  1. Hug
  2. Wave
  3. Secret Handshake
  4. See you soon!

Welcome the student and introduce the slide deck. Say: “Today we’ll learn a special routine to help you feel brave when saying goodbye to your grown-up!”

Step 1: Hug

Give a big, warm hug to your grown-up.

Explain the first step. Ask: “Why is a hug a nice way to start our goodbye?”

Step 2: Wave

Wave your hand with a happy smile.

Describe the wave. Prompt: “What else can we do after a hug?”

Step 3: Secret Handshake

Use a special handshake that only you and your grown-up know.

Introduce the secret handshake. Encourage creativity: “What special moves can we include?”

Step 4: See You Soon

Say “See you soon!” with confidence.

Explain the farewell phrase. Prompt: “What words help remind us we'll see each other soon?”

Let’s Practice!

Now let’s put all 4 steps together:
Hug → Wave → Secret Handshake → See You Soon!

Invite the student to practice the full routine. Use puppets or toys to role-play each step.

lenny

Activity

Goodbye Routine Visual Cards

Use these cards to introduce and practice each step of your goodbye routine. Print, cut out, and optionally laminate each card. Use the cards to:

  • Sequence the steps in order
  • Prompt the student during role-play
  • Reinforce confidence at drop-off time

Card 1: Hug

[Illustration: A child and grown-up sharing a big, warm hug]

Card 2: Wave

[Illustration: A smiling child waving their hand]

Card 3: Secret Handshake

[Illustration: Two hands performing a fun, secret handshake with little stars around]

Card 4: See You Soon!

[Illustration: A child waving goodbye with the words “See you soon!” overhead]

Teacher Tips

  • Shuffle the cards and ask the student to put them in the correct order before practicing the routine.
  • Hold up each card as a visual cue during role-play to guide the student through each step.
  • Encourage the student to name each step out loud when they see the card (e.g., “Hug!”).
  • Praise the student for following the sequence to build confidence and predictability.
lenny
lenny

Activity

Role-Play Prompt Cards

Use these small cards to practice your goodbye routine in different situations. Print, cut out, and shuffle the cards. Take turns drawing a card and acting out the scenario with your student using your 4-step routine: Hug → Wave → Secret Handshake → See You Soon!

Card 1: Car Drop-Off

Scenario: Your grown-up says, “Okay time to go, sweetie!”
• You give a big hug.
• You wave with a smile.
• You do your secret handshake.
• You say, “See you soon!”

Card 2: Backpack at the Door

Scenario: Your grown-up helps you put on your backpack and says, “Have a great day!”
• You give a big hug.
• You wave.
• You share your secret handshake.
• You say, “See you soon, I love you!”

Card 3: Classroom Puppet Drop-Off

Scenario: A puppet teacher welcomes you at the classroom door. The puppet says, “Hello, friend!”
• You give the puppet a hug (or high-five).
• You wave at the puppet.
• You do your secret handshake with the puppet.
• You say, “See you after school!”

Card 4: Grandparent Goodbye

Scenario: Grandma or Grandpa drops you off at school and says, “I’ll pick you up later!”
• You give a big hug.
• You wave.
• You share your secret handshake.
• You say, “See you soon, Grand-____!”

Teacher Tips

  • Encourage using each of the 4 steps in order.
  • Model one card first before letting the student try.
  • Use enthusiastic praise for each step completed.
  • Switch roles so the student can play the grown-up too, reinforcing both sides of the routine.
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Routine Reflection Worksheet

1. Draw Your Favorite Goodbye Step

Draw a picture of the step in the routine that you like best (Hug, Wave, Secret Handshake, or See You Soon!).











2. How Do You Feel After Practicing?
Circle the face that shows how you feel now:

😊 Happy 😌 Calm 😟 A Little Nervous 😃 Excited


3. Why Does This Routine Help You Feel Brave?

Write or draw your answer below:





4. Which Step Makes You Feel the Bravest?

Write the name of the step and why:





lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Guide the student to review and reinforce all learned coping strategies and support them in creating a personalized “Brave Toolbox,” then play a matching game and craft a bravery badge to solidify confidence.

Consolidating strategies and personalizing a coping toolkit empowers independence, boosts confidence, and equips the student to manage separation anxiety with familiar tools.

Audience

Kindergarten Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive review, sorting game, craft, and discussion

Materials

  • Feel Brave Toolbox Slide Deck, - Brave Toolbox Builder Worksheet, - Strategy Sorting Game, and - Bravery Badge Craft Activity

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Feel Brave Toolbox Slide Deck
  • Print one copy of the Brave Toolbox Builder Worksheet
  • Cut and shuffle cards for the Strategy Sorting Game
  • Gather craft materials (paper, markers, stickers) for the Bravery Badge Craft Activity
  • Arrange a cozy seating area with feeling cards nearby

Step 1

Welcome and Check-In

5 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and ask how they feel using the Feeling Cards from Session 1
  • Validate any current worries and remind them how brave they’ve been throughout this program

Step 2

Review Brave Strategies

7 minutes

  • Open the Feel Brave Toolbox Slide Deck
  • Prompt a review of naming feelings, Balloon Breathing, and the Goodbye Routine
  • Ask the student to share which strategy helped them most and why

Step 3

Strategy Sorting Game

8 minutes

  • Introduce the Strategy Sorting Game
  • Lay out Situation Cards and Strategy Cards face up in a scattered grid
  • Invite the student to match each situation with the calming strategy they’d use
  • Offer praise and discuss each match for understanding

Step 4

Build Your Brave Toolbox

5 minutes

  • Give the student the Brave Toolbox Builder Worksheet
  • Ask them to draw or write their top 3 favorite strategies and when they’d use each
  • Discuss their choices and reinforce that these tools belong in their personal kit

Step 5

Craft a Bravery Badge

3 minutes

  • Provide materials for the Bravery Badge Craft Activity
  • Guide the student to decorate a badge featuring their name and chosen strategy icon
  • Explain that wearing or carrying their badge can remind them to stay brave

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Reflection

2 minutes

  • Invite the student to share one tool from their Brave Toolbox they’ll use first
  • Praise their progress and bravery across all four sessions
  • Encourage them to show their badge and toolbox items at school whenever they need support
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome to Your Brave Toolbox

Let’s look back at the tools that help you feel brave at school!

Welcome the student and introduce today’s focus. Say: “Today we’re going to review all the brave tools you’ve learned and create your very own Brave Toolbox to help you at school!”

Step 1: Name Your Feeling

Happy, Sad, Scared, or Excited?

Naming your feeling helps you understand it.

Ask: “What feeling are you having right now?” Show the Feeling Cards. Say: “Naming our feeling is the first step to feeling in control.”

Step 2: Balloon Breathing

🎈 Inhale (1-2-3)
🎈 Hold (1-2)
🎈 Exhale (1-2-3)

Model one breath together. Say: “Remember, we breathe like a big balloon—inhale, hold, exhale.”

Step 3: Goodbye Routine

🤗 Hug → 👋 Wave → ✋ Secret Handshake → 💬 “See you soon!”

Prompt the student to say the four steps out loud. Use your fingers to trace each step.

What Is a Brave Toolbox?

A special box where you keep your tools to help you feel brave at school.

Explain the concept: “A Toolbox holds tools that help us. Your Brave Toolbox holds your brave strategies so you can grab them anytime you need them.”

Fill Your Brave Toolbox

Draw or place your top 3 favorite tools here:
• Feeling Cards
• Balloon Breathing
• Goodbye Routine

Ask the student: “Which three tools are your favorites? Where will you keep them?”

Use Your Brave Toolbox

Open your toolbox anytime you feel:
• Worried at drop-off
• Nervous in class
• Missing your grown-up

Role-play a quick scenario: “It’s drop-off time—what tool will you choose from your Brave Toolbox?”

lenny