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

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Rapport Building

5 minutes

Step 2

Introducing Feelings

10 minutes

Step 3

Emotion Matching Game

5 minutes

Step 4

Feelings Check-In Activity

7 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Feelings Introduction

Happy

Sad

Scared

Excited

How Do You Feel?

Worksheet

Game

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

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Balloon Breathing

7 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice with Card

8 minutes

Step 4

Bubble Blowing Game

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflect and Draw Calm

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Balloon Breathing

What Is Balloon Breathing?

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

Step 2: Hold (Count 1-2)

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

Let’s Practice Together!

Remember…

Activity

Game

Worksheet

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

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Mood Check

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduce the Goodbye Routine

7 minutes

Step 3

Sequence with Visual Cards

6 minutes

Step 4

Role-Play Goodbyes

8 minutes

Step 5

Reflect and Draw

4 minutes

Slide Deck

Goodbye Routine

Step 1: Hug

Step 2: Wave

Step 3: Secret Handshake

Step 4: See You Soon

Let’s Practice!

Activity

Worksheet

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

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Review Brave Strategies

7 minutes

Step 3

Strategy Sorting Game

8 minutes

Step 4

Build Your Brave Toolbox

5 minutes

Step 5

Craft a Bravery Badge

3 minutes

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Reflection

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Welcome to Your Brave Toolbox