Goodbye, Little Leaf Storybook

Once upon a time, high in a friendly forest, lived Auntie Oak Tree and her little leaf named Little Leaf. Every morning, Little Leaf would wake up with the sun, stretch out wide, and dance in the breeze.

“Good morning, world!” Little Leaf cheered as birds sang cheerful songs. Auntie Oak smiled and whispered, “Good morning, dear Leaf.”

One day, the wind blew stronger than before. Little Leaf felt the breeze tugging at her stem. “Hold on tight,” Auntie Oak called, but Little Leaf wiggled free and floated gently to the ground.

“Goodbye, Little Leaf,” whispered Auntie Oak, her branches drooping. “I will miss you.”

Little Leaf landed softly on a bed of soft moss. She closed her eyes and felt peaceful. Though she could not see Auntie Oak anymore, she carried the warmth of the tree’s love in her heart.

Auntie Oak swayed sadly above, her branches feeling empty and quiet. She let a single tear fall—a raindrop that made the moss sparkle. “I am sad you are gone,” she said. “I love you.”

Nearby, a little squirrel found Little Leaf and snuggled it in her nest. “Thank you, Little Leaf,” she chattered, “you will keep me warm and remind me of happy days in the sun.”

Seasons passed. One morning, tiny green buds appeared on Auntie Oak’s branches. She realized that even though Little Leaf was gone, new leaves would grow, and her love would always be there.

Auntie Oak whispered to the breeze, “Thank you, Little Leaf, for teaching my heart how to love and how to feel sad—and to hope again.”

The End

Comfort Heart Crafts Guide

Invite your little one to create a soft keepsake heart that reminds them they are loved—even on sad days.

Materials Needed

• Felt sheets in red or pink (2 pieces per heart)
• Cotton stuffing or fiberfill
• Child-safe scissors
• Non-toxic glue or fabric glue
• Marker or fabric pencil
• Heart Template (see below)
• Optional: small ribbon, buttons, or sequins for decoration

Heart Template

Print or draw a simple heart shape about the size of your palm. Use this as your tracing guide.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Trace the Heart
   • Place the heart template on one felt sheet.
   • Use the marker to trace around the template.
2. Cut Out Two Hearts
   • Help the child cut along the traced line to make two identical hearts.
3. Glue Edges
   • Apply a thin line of glue around the edge of one heart, leaving a small gap (about 2 inches) unglued.
4. Stuff the Heart
   • Gently help the child push small bits of cotton stuffing into the gap until the heart feels soft but not overstuffed.
5. Seal the Heart
   • Glue the remaining gap closed, pressing gently until secure.
6. Decorate (Optional)
   • Encourage the child to add a ribbon loop, buttons, or sequins as a personal touch.

Talking Points

• “This heart can remind you that you are always loved, even when you feel sad.”
• Ask: “Who does this heart make you think of?”
• Encourage the child to name the person or pet they love most.

Tip for the Teacher:
Keep language simple and reassuring. Celebrate each step and emphasize that feelings of sadness are natural—and that this heart is a way to hold onto love and comfort.

Feeling Face Mask Template

Use these simple mask outlines to color and express two feelings: happy and sad. Print one copy, help students cut out along the outer line, and cut the eye holes. Attach a popsicle stick or elastic to wear.

Happy Face Mask

    ____________   
   /            \  
  /   o      o   \ 
 |                |
 |       U        |
 |                |
  \              / 
   \____________/  

Sad Face Mask

    ____________   
   /            \  
  /   o      o   \ 
 |                |
 |       ∩        |
 |                |
  \              / 
   \____________/  

Instructions for Teachers

• Print the page and cut along the outer lines of each mask.
• Carefully cut out the eye holes (at the circles marked “o”).
• Let the child color the happy mask with bright colors and the sad mask with colors that feel calm or gentle.
• Attach a popsicle stick or elastic band to the bottom or sides so the mask can be held or worn.
• Use during the Feelings Discussion to help the child show when they feel happy or sad.

Calming Corner Setup Guide

Create a special spot where your Pre-K child can go to feel safe, cozy, and calm—during our Little Hearts Heal session and anytime they have big feelings.

Materials Needed

• Soft rug, mat, or small blanket
• Floor cushions, beanbag chair, or plush pillows
• Cozy items (stuffed animals, soft blankets)
• A small basket or tray for fidget toys (stress ball, textured toys)
• Noise-reducing headphones or a music player with gentle, instrumental music
• Soft lighting (lamp with warm bulb, string lights)
• Visual emotion supports (simple feeling chart, calm-down cards)
• A small shelf or low table to display items neatly

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Pick the Corner
   • Choose a quiet nook away from busy hallways or bright windows.
   • Ensure grown-ups can still see the child safely if needed.
2. Lay the Base
   • Spread the rug or blanket evenly.
   • Place cushions or a beanbag on top so it feels soft and inviting.
3. Add Cozy & Calming Tools
   • Arrange stuffed animals, soft blankets, or a plush pillow where the child can easily reach.
   • Set up a basket of 2–3 fidget items (e.g., stress ball, sensory ring).
4. Incorporate Gentle Senses
   • Plug in a small lamp or string lights for a warm glow.
   • Provide noise-reducing headphones or play soft music at low volume.
5. Display Visual Supports
   • Hang or prop up an emotion chart with simple happy/sad faces.
   • Place calm-down cards (e.g., “Take 3 deep breaths,” “Squeeze your heart”) in a visible spot.
6. Keep It Tidy & Rotated
   • Store extra materials neatly on a low shelf or in a labeled bin.
   • Rotate fidget items or cozy toys weekly to keep the corner fresh.

Teacher Tips

• Introduce & Model: Show the child how and when to use the corner (“If you feel sad, you can come sit here and hug your heart.”).
• Check In Often: Gently remind the child about the corner when they look upset.
• Respect Their Space: Let them use the corner independently—only join if they invite you.
• Celebrate Calm Moments: Praise the child for using the corner to feel better.

This Calming Corner offers a consistent, nurturing environment where little hearts can pause, breathe, and find comfort—anytime they need it.