Activity Added: Emotion Warm-Up Activity (#session1-emotion-warm-up-activity) with visual cards depicting faces to engage Israel in naming and mimicking emotions.

Feelings Chart Worksheet

Name: ______________________ Date: ________________

Instructions: Color each face, write the name of the feeling, and think of a time you felt that way.

1. Happy

Draw and color a face that shows “happy”:
◯

What is this emotion? ________________

When have you felt this emotion?

2. Sad

Draw and color a face that shows “sad”:
◯

What is this emotion? ________________

When have you felt this emotion?

3. Angry

Draw and color a face that shows “angry”:
◯

What is this emotion? ________________

When have you felt this emotion?

4. Scared

Draw and color a face that shows “scared”:
◯

What is this emotion? ________________

When have you felt this emotion?

Great job!
Talk with your counselor about these feelings and what you learned today.

Emotion Matching Game Cards

(#session1-emotion-matching-game-cards)

Materials:

• 16 cards total (2 of each emotion): Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared, Surprise, Worried, Excited, Calm.
• Cards are printed, laminated (optional), and cut out.

Setup:

1. Shuffle all cards and lay them face down in a grid.
2. Explain that each turn, you will flip two cards to try to find matching feelings.

How to Play:

1. Player 1 (Israel) flips over two cards so everyone can see them.
2. If the cards match (same facial expression/emotion), Israel keeps the pair and names the emotion aloud.
   • Prompt: “Can you tell me a time you felt ___?”
3. If they don’t match, flip them back face down, and it’s your turn.
4. Continue until all pairs are found.

Discussion Prompt on a Match:

• “Great job! When have you felt this feeling?”
• “What color would you choose for this feeling?”

Goal:

• Practice emotion recognition, memory skills, and start a brief discussion about when Israel experiences each feeling.

Notes for Counselor:

• Offer praise for correct matches and thoughtful sharing.
• If Israel struggles, model by flipping two cards yourself and naming the emotion.
• Use gentle reminders: “Take your time and look carefully.”

The Feelings Story

Sam arrived at the playground and saw the big red slide. His hands felt sweaty and his tummy fluttered. Pause: How do you think Sam feels right now?

Taking a deep breath, Sam climbed the ladder. When he reached the top, he felt brave and excited. He counted to three and slid down with a big laugh. Pause: What word describes how Sam feels on the slide?

Later, Sam and his friend tried to build a tall block tower. They carefully stacked one block on another, but suddenly the tower tumbled down. Sam’s face turned red and he felt angry. Pause: What could Sam do when he feels upset?

After a moment, Sam took a slow breath and counted to five. He felt his body relax and his heart calm. Together, Sam and his friend built the tower again, this time more slowly.

At the end of the day, Sam felt happy and proud because he tried new things and took deep breaths when he needed to calm down.

Breathing Buddies Script

Teacher: Israel, today we’re going to help our bodies feel calm using a special friend called our “Breathing Buddy.” You can use any small stuffed animal you like.

1. Introduce the Buddy (30 seconds)
   Teacher: “This is your Breathing Buddy. When we breathe in, we’ll make our buddy rise up. When we breathe out, our buddy will fall. Are you ready to try?”
2. Get Ready (15 seconds)
   Teacher: “Okay, lie down on your back or sit up straight and comfy. Place your buddy right here, on your belly.”
   (Point to belly and help position buddy.)
3. Breathe In (20 seconds)
   Teacher: “Now, let’s take a slow, deep breath in through our nose. As you breathe in, watch your buddy get big and tall. Count in your head: 1…2…3…”
   (Pause for three seconds.)
4. Breathe Out (20 seconds)
   Teacher: “Great! Now breathe out gently through your mouth like you’re blowing out a candle. Watch your buddy go down. Count: 1…2…3…”
   (Pause for three seconds.)
5. Repeat Together (30 seconds)
   Teacher: “Let’s do that two more times! Breathe in… (1…2…3)… and breathe out… (1…2…3)…
   Breathe in… (1…2…3)… and breathe out… (1…2…3)…”
6. Check In (30 seconds)
   Teacher: “How does your buddy feel now? Is he moving big and slow? How does your belly feel? Does it feel calm?”
   (Wait for Israel’s response. Prompt: “What do you notice in your body when you breathe like this?”)
7. Celebrate (15 seconds)
   Teacher: “You did an amazing job, Israel! Remember, you can use your Breathing Buddy anytime you feel upset, sad, or nervous. It will help you feel calm inside.”

Follow-Up Prompts (optional):

• “If you ever feel your heart beating fast, grab your buddy and try breathing together.”
• “Can you show me how you’ll help your buddy rise and fall when you’re at home or school?”

Goal: Practice belly breathing to build self-control and calm our bodies when big feelings come.

Feeling-Spinner Activity

Create a simple, printable spinner that Israel can spin to land on different feelings and share a memory.

Materials:

• Spinner template (circle divided into 8 equal slices)
• Printer and paper
• Brass fastener (paper brad) or push pin + paperclip for arrow
• Crayons or markers

Spinner Labels (one per slice):

1. Happy
2. Sad
3. Angry
4. Lonely
5. Missing
6. Confused
7. Proud
8. Frustrated

Setup:

1. Print the spinner template.
2. Have Israel color each slice using his favorite colors.
3. Attach the arrow (paperclip or cut-out arrow) at the center with a brad so it spins freely.

How to Use:

1. Israel gives the arrow a spin.
2. Wherever it lands, Israel:
   • Names that feeling aloud.
   • Shares one time he felt that way, especially if it relates to missing Mom or Dad.
3. Counselor validates and asks follow-up:
   • “What helps you when you feel ___?”
   • “Which goodbye ritual step could make you feel better next time?”

Note for Counselor:

• Encourage full sentences: “I felt lonely when Mom left for work.”
• If the arrow lands multiple times on the same feeling, vary the question (“Tell me a different example”).
• Use this spinner regularly at the start of sessions to check in on Israel’s emotional state.

Emotion Charades Prompt Cards

Print and cut out these prompt cards. Fold or shuffle and place face down. On each turn, Israel picks one card and silently acts out the scenario while the counselor (or vice versa) guesses the emotion.

Materials:

• Card stock or heavy paper
• Printer, scissors

Prompt Cards (18 total):

1. “Mom is packing her work bag and says, ‘Time to go!’”
2. “Dad is waving goodbye outside the car window.”
3. “You hug Mom in the morning before school.”
4. “You watch Dad walk out the front door for a trip.”
5. “Mom leaves the room to make dinner—you stay behind.”
6. “You’re at a friend’s house—and you think about Dad.”
7. “You get a surprise hug from Mom after school.”
8. “Dad forgets to pick you up on time.”
9. “You find out Mom is going away for the weekend.”
10. “You finish a hard puzzle and Mom cheers for you.”
11. “Your friend takes your toy without asking.”
12. “You can’t find Dad’s face in the crowd at pickup.”
13. “Mom says you did a great job and gives you a high-five.”
14. “Your sibling teases you, and Mom isn’t there.”
15. “You spill juice on Dad’s important papers.”
16. “Mom lets you choose a bedtime story.”
17. “Your class pet goes missing.”
18. “Dad sends you a video message saying hi.”

How to Play:

1. Shuffle cards face down.
2. Israel draws one and acts it out with facial expressions/body language—no words.
3. Counselor guesses the emotion (happy, sad, scared, angry, lonely, missing).
4. After the guess, discuss:
   • “What clue told me you were feeling ___?”
   • “Have you ever felt like that? When?”

Goal: Practice recognizing emotions—especially those tied to good-byes and separations—and build vocabulary for talking about missing Mom or Dad.

Memory Match Context Cards

(#session2-memory-match-context-cards)

Materials:

• 16 cards total: 8 feeling cards and 8 context cards.
• Feelings: Sad, Missing, Lonely, Worried, Happy, Angry, Excited, Calm.
• Contexts: At school, With Mom, At Dad’s, At drop-off, At home, In car line, At playtime, During reading time.
• Print on cardstock (optional), cut out, and shuffle face down.

Setup:

1. Mix all 16 cards face down in a grid.
2. Explain that each pair links one feeling with the situation where Israel might feel it.

How to Play:

1. Israel flips two cards so both are visible.
2. If the cards form a matching pair (e.g., “Missing” + “With Mom”), he keeps the pair and:
   • Names the feeling aloud.
   • Shares a time he felt that way in that situation.
3. If they don’t match, flip them back face down and take turns again.
4. Continue until all pairs are found.

Discussion Prompts on a Match:

• “Great match! When did you feel Missing with Mom?”
• “Why might you feel Sad at school? What helps you then?”

Goal:

• Strengthen emotion–context recognition.
• Practice labeling feelings tied to separations and daily routines.
• Encourage sharing real experiences of missing Mom or Dad.

Frida Feels Left Out Comic

Panel 1:
Frida sits at a small table by herself, building a block tower. She glances out the window and sees her mom saying “Goodbye!” at the front door. Pause: How do you think Frida feels right now?

Panel 2:
Her friends invite her to join a game on the playground, but Frida’s blocks are halfway done. She watches her friends run off and thinks about Mom leaving. Pause: What two feelings might Frida have?

Panel 3:
Frida’s block tower suddenly tumbles down. She puts her hands over her face and feels alone. She remembers her mom’s hug before school. Pause: What could Frida do when she misses Mom?

Panel 4:
Frida takes a deep belly breath and imagines her “Breathing Buddy” rising on her tummy. She smiles and waves a secret signal toward the front door. Pause: How did breathing help Frida feel better?

Use this comic to talk about times you’ve felt left out or missed someone. What tools can help you, like a breath or a secret signal?

Five-Finger Breathing Script

Purpose: Use your hand as a guide to slow your breath and calm your body—especially when you miss Mom or Dad.

Materials: None (just your hand!)

Steps:

1. Get Ready

   • Sit comfortably and hold one hand out, palm facing you, fingers spread.
   • Use your other hand’s pointer finger to trace around each finger on your breathing hand.

2. Thumb: Breathe for Your Heart

   • Trace up your thumb: breathe in slowly through your nose (1, 2).
   • Trace down your thumb: breathe out gently through your mouth (1, 2).
   • Say quietly: “My heart feels calm.”

3. Index: Breathe for Your Mind

   • Trace up your index: breathe in (1, 2).
   • Trace down your index: breathe out (1, 2).
   • Say quietly: “My mind feels calm.”

4. Middle: Breathe for Your Belly

   • Trace up your middle finger: breathe in (1, 2).
   • Trace down your middle finger: breathe out (1, 2).
   • Say quietly: “My tummy feels calm.”

5. Ring: Breathe for Your Feelings

   • Trace up your ring finger: breathe in (1, 2).
   • Trace down your ring finger: breathe out (1, 2).
   • Say quietly: “When I miss someone, I breathe and feel safe.”

6. Pinky: Breathe for Your Head

   • Trace up your pinky: breathe in (1, 2).
   • Trace down your pinky: breathe out (1, 2).
   • Say quietly: “My head feels calm.”

7. Check In

   • Lower your hands and notice how your body feels now.
   • Ask Israel: “Where do you feel calm? Did you notice any butterflies or tight spots soften?”

8. Celebrate

   • Praise his effort: “Great job using five-finger breathing! Remember this tool whenever you miss Mom or Dad.”

Tips for Counselor:

• Encourage tracing slowly and matching breath to tracing motion.
• Remind him he can say these little phrases anytime he needs comfort.
• Practice regularly—soon he’ll do it quietly in his mind without his hand.

Mood Meter Chart

Name: ____________________ Date: _______________

Instructions: Color or circle the face that best shows how you feel right now.

Happy ◯ Sad ◯ Angry ◯ Calm ◯



Lonely ◯ Missing ◯ Confused ◯ Proud ◯

Which step of our goodbye ritual will you try tomorrow morning?

Great job! Talk about your choice with your counselor and practice your ritual at home or school.

Simon-Says Emotion Cards

Use these prompt cards in a game of Simon Says to help Israel connect body sensations with emotions—especially when he misses Mom or Dad.

Materials:

• Printed cards or slips of paper with prompts
• A smooth surface to lay cards face down or a deck to draw from

How to Play:

1. Place all cards face down or hold the deck.
2. Israel (or counselor) draws a card and reads it aloud. If the card begins with “Simon says…,” both follow the action. If it doesn’t, everyone stands still.
3. After each prompt, briefly name the emotion involved and how the body feels.

Prompt Cards (12 total):

1. “Simon says touch your chest if you feel happy.”
2. “Simon says place a hand on your forehead if you feel worried.”
3. “Simon says put your hands on your belly if you miss Mom.”
4. “Simon says tap your shoulders if you feel sad.”
5. “Simon says rub your arms if you feel excited.”
6. “Simon says wiggle your fingers if you feel proud.”
7. “Simon says cross your arms if you feel angry.”
8. “Simon says press your palms together if you feel calm.”
9. “Touch your ears if you’re feeling lonely.”
10. “Touch your toes if you feel tired or frustrated.”
11. “Raise your arms above your head if you feel brave.”
12. “Place your hands over your heart if you miss Dad.”

Debrief:

• After each card, ask Israel: “What did you notice in your body? Where did you feel that emotion?”
• Reinforce: “When you touch your belly, you’re remembering our Breathing Buddy exercise for missing moments.”

Goal:

• Build interoceptive awareness by linking emotions to body signals.
• Practice noticing “missing” sensations and using quick grounding actions when Mom or Dad leaves.

Guided Body-Scan Script

Purpose: Help Israel notice where separation or “missing” feelings show up in his body and release tension with gentle awareness.

Materials: A soft mat or chair for sitting/lying comfortably.

Script Steps:

1. Get Comfy (1 min)

   • Counselor: “Lie down on your back or sit with your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes if that feels okay. Let your arms rest by your sides.”
   • Pause for a few breaths.

2. Breathe & Tune In (30 sec)

   • Counselor: “Take a slow, gentle breath in through your nose… and out through your mouth. Notice how the air moves in and out.”

3. Toes & Feet (30 sec)

   • Counselor: “Now bring your attention to your toes and feet. Do you feel warm, tingly, or tight there? If you notice tension, imagine it melting away like ice on a sunny day.”

4. Calves & Shins (30 sec)

   • Counselor: “Move your mind’s spotlight up to your calves and shins. Are they strong and relaxed, or do they feel tight? Breathe into that spot and let it soften.”

5. Knees & Thighs (30 sec)

   • Counselor: “Next, notice your knees and thighs. Sometimes we hold stress in our legs. If they feel tense, imagine a warm, gentle hug around them, and let them relax.”

6. Hips & Belly (1 min)

   • Counselor: “Shift to your hips and belly. This is where we often feel butterflies when we miss someone. Notice any fluttering or tightness. Breathe slowly into your belly, and let those butterflies settle.”

7. Chest & Shoulders (1 min)

   • Counselor: “Bring your attention to your chest and shoulders. When Mom or Dad leaves, you might feel a heavy or empty spot here. Imagine a soft cloud lifting that weight away with each exhale.”

8. Arms & Hands (30 sec)

   • Counselor: “Notice your arms and hands. Are they resting loosely, or are your fists tight? Give your arms permission to unwind and rest.”

9. Neck & Throat (30 sec)

   • Counselor: “Now focus on your neck and throat. When we’re sad or worried, these can feel stiff. Imagine a gentle breeze blowing through, making your throat soft.”

10. Face & Head (30 sec)

    • Counselor: “Finally, bring your awareness to your jaw, cheeks, eyes, and forehead. If you feel a tight jaw or scrunched forehead, unclench and let your whole face soften.”

11. Full-Body Check (30 sec)

    • Counselor: “Take one last slow breath and imagine your whole body as a calm, relaxed balloon. Notice how it feels from head to toe.”

12. Reflection & Seal (30 sec)

    • Counselor: “Gently open your eyes. Where did you feel the most tension when you thought about missing Mom or Dad? Remember, noticing early helps you choose a tool—like your Breathing Buddy or secret signal—before feelings grow big.”

Follow-Up Prompt:

• “What did you notice most in your body today? How can you use this body scan next time you feel upset at drop-off?”

Goal: Build interoceptive awareness so Israel can catch separation stress in his body and use a coping skill early—before emotions become overwhelming.

My Goodbye Feeling Journal Page

Name: ______________________ Date: ________________

Instructions: Think back to our guided body scan. Draw or write about what you noticed when you thought of Mom or Dad leaving.

1. Where in your body did you feel your feelings?

Draw a picture below:

2. How did that feeling feel?

(Butterflies, heavy, tight?) Write some words:

3. What tool will you use next time you notice this feeling?

(Breathing, mantra, secret signal, etc.)

Great job! Share your drawing and plan with your counselor and practice your tool at tomorrow’s drop-off.

Busy Brain Story

Mia sat at her desk, but her pencil stayed still. Her brain buzzed like a busy bee thinking about Dad driving away last night. She stared at the clock on the wall. “Tick…tock…tick…tock…” and all she could hear was the sound of her heart wondering, Is he coming back soon?

Pause: Have you ever felt your mind race when you miss someone?

Suddenly, Mia remembered the three-step goodbye ritual she made with her mom:

1. A quick hug
2. A secret wave code
3. A special word: “See you soon!”

She closed her eyes and whispered “See you soon!” in her mind. The buzzing in her head slowed to a gentle hum, and she pictured Dad saying that same phrase.

Pause: What secret word or gesture helps you feel calm when someone leaves?

Mia then focused on her breathing. She breathed in slowly… and breathed out. She thought of the soft blanket Dad knitted for her and smiled. The clock’s ticking faded, and Mia felt her mind quiet enough to write the first sentence on her page.

Pause: What memory could you hold in your mind to help busy thoughts settle?

From that moment on, whenever Mia felt her brain buzz about missing Dad, she used her goodbye ritual, whispered her special word, and took three slow breaths—just enough to turn her busy brain into a calm one.

Use this story to talk about times when your thoughts race at school. What steps can help quiet your mind and bring you back to class?

Mindful Senses Script

Purpose: Use your five senses plus a special memory of Mom’s goodbye hug to calm your body and mind when you feel unsettled.

Materials: None (just sit comfortably and use your imagination).

Steps:

1. Get Ready (30 seconds)
   • Sit quietly and take two gentle belly breaths.
   • Hold in your mind the memory of Mom’s goodbye hug—its warmth, sound, and feel.

2. Sight (1 minute)
   • Open your eyes and name three things you see in the room (e.g., clock, window, toy).
   • Then close your eyes and picture Mom’s shirt or hair color from that hug.

3. Sound (1 minute)
   • Listen for two sounds right now (e.g., air conditioner, distant footsteps).
   • Then recall the gentle sound of Mom saying, “I love you,” during your hug.

4. Smell (1 minute)
   • Take a slow sniff and name one smell in the air (e.g., crayons, snack).
   • Then breathe in and remember Mom’s perfume or soap scent as she hugged you.

5. Touch (1 minute)
   • Feel your hands on your lap or the chair beneath you—name two textures (e.g., smooth fabric, hard plastic).
   • Then bring to mind the soft pressure of Mom’s arms around you and how safe it felt.

6. Taste (30 seconds)
   • Notice if you taste anything in your mouth (e.g., toothpaste, snack).
   • Then think of the taste of Mom’s favorite treat you might share—like a cookie or apple—after school.

7. Closing Check-In (30 seconds)
   • Take one more deep breath and ask yourself: “Which part of my hug memory made me feel calm?”
   • Smile and remind yourself: “Mom always comes back.”

Counselor Tip: After the exercise, ask Israel which sense he liked using most and encourage him to practice this anytime he misses Mom or needs a quick calm-down.

Goodbye-Signal Bookmark

A personalized bookmark that Israel decorates, writes his secret code word on, and uses after a goodbye to remind him of your promise to return.

Materials:

• Printable bookmark template
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• Stickers (hearts, stars, smiley faces)
• Hole punch & ribbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Decorate Your Bookmark

   • Color the border and add stickers to make it special.
   • At the top, write your name: “This bookmark belongs to Israel.”

2. Choose Your Secret Code Word

   • In the middle box, write your code word or phrase (e.g., “SeeYouSoon,” “BigHug”).
   • Draw a small icon or smiley next to it.

3. Add a Comfort Reminder

   • In the bottom section, draw or write one thing to remember when you miss Mom or Dad:
     • A small heart for love
     • A tiny “Breathing Buddy” drawing
     • A time you felt happy with them

4. Attach Ribbon (Optional)

   • Punch a hole at the top and tie a short ribbon so you can keep it in your backpack or book.

How to Use:

• After you say goodbye, take out your bookmark and read your code word silently.
• Remember the comfort reminder to help your feelings settle.
• Keep it in your backpack or pocket and pull it out whenever you need to feel close to Mom or Dad.

Counselor Tip:

• Help Israel choose a code word that feels fun and easy to remember.
• Encourage him to share the code word with Mom or Dad so they can use it in their goodbyes too.
• Practice using the bookmark together after a role-play goodbye.