Brave Steps Slides
Kindergarten Feelings Circle
Safe & Brave Space
Trying New Things
Brave Steps for New Things
What to do when an activity feels brand new, a little scary, or tricky!
1
Notice Body
2
Calm Down
3
Ask for Help
4
Try 1 Step
What is Worry?
Body Clues
Worry is a feeling that tells us: "This is new or different!"
Everyone feels worried sometimes—even grown-ups!
Flutter Tummy
Butterflies or twists inside our bellies.
Thump Heart
Our heartbeat goes thump-thump like a drum!
Tight Muscles
Hands curl tight or shoulders lift up high.
When Might We Feel Worried?
New Tasks
Using New Tools
Trying tricky scissors, paint, or new glue sticks.
Big Tricky Puzzles
Looking at many pieces and wondering where to start.
Joining a New Game
Playing a game with rules we have not tried yet.
Speaking in Circle
Sharing an idea when everyone is looking at us.
Remember: Making a mistake is just how our brains grow!
Tool 1: Flower & Pinwheel Breath
Belly Calmer
Step 1: Breathe In
Smell the Flower
Gently breathe in through your nose for 1, 2, 3. Smell the sweet petals!
Step 2: Breathe Out
Blow the Pinwheel
Slowly blow out through your mouth for 1, 2, 3. Watch it spin gently!
Let's try 2 big flower & pinwheel breaths together now!
Tool 2: Ground & Reset
Body Reset
Wiggle Toes
Feel both feet flat on the floor. Wiggle all 10 toes inside your shoes!
Hand Press
Press hands together like a strong mountain. Count to 3 and release.
Shoulder Drop
Squeeze shoulders up to ears, then let them melt down like warm butter.
Our bodies tell our brains: "We are safe, calm, and ready to learn!"
Tool 3: Brave Words for Help
Ask a Helper
Asking for help is a superpower, not a weakness!
When Stuck
"I feel stuck. Can you show me?"
Use when you do not know the next move.
Starting
"Can we do step one together?"
Ask a teacher or friend to start side by side.
Quiet Helper
Raise Hand or Give Thumbs-Up
You can use a quiet hand signal if words feel hard.
Who are helpers in our room? Teachers, aides, and classmates!
Tool 4: Take One Tiny Step
Small Steps
You do not have to finish the whole thing right away. Just do the first tiny piece!
1
Touch the Tool
Pick up the pencil or sit by the game rug. Just explore it!
2
Do Just One
Draw one line, put in one puzzle piece, or try one turn.
3
Celebrate!
Give yourself a gentle tap on the shoulder: "I did step one!"
Every big master started with just one tiny step!
What Would You Do?
Brave Thinking
Scenario
Sam has never used watercolors before.
His tummy feels fluttering and he doesn't want to mess up his paper.
1. Take a Flower Breath
Calm the fluttering tummy.
2. Ask a Helper
"Can you show me how to dip the water?"
3. Paint Just One Dot
Make one little mark to start.
Turn and tell your neighbor: Which step would you try first?
Our Brave Pledge
Repeat After Me!
"When things are new, I am brave too!"
"I can breathe deep, I can ask for help!"
"I can take one small step at a time!"
We are ready to practice our Brave Steps on our worksheets!
Brave Steps Practice Page
Brave Steps Practice Page
When something is new, I know what to do!
Name:
Date:
1
Where Does Worry Live?
Circle the body clues you feel:
Flutter Tummy
Butterflies or flips
Thump Heart
Fast little drum
Tight Hands
Clenched or stiff
2
Pick a Calming Tool
Put a checkmark ✓ in your favorite:
Flower Breath
In nose, out mouth
Toe Wiggles
Ground feet on floor
Hand Press
Press palms, count 3
3
Brave Words for Help
Say to a teacher or classmate:
“I feel stuck. Can you help me do step one?”
✓
Practice!
4
My One Small Step
Break it down tiny!
Draw yourself trying one small step of a new task (like holding a new crayon, trying 1 puzzle piece, or walking to the circle):
My Drawing
Brave Pledge: I can breathe, I can ask for help, and I can try!
Star Effort