Connection Facilitator GuideHeart Strings Connection Facilitator Guide: Understanding Separation Anxiety TIER 3 SUPPORT Time 20 Minutes Audience 1st Grade Approach Experiential & Trauma-Informed Lesson Objective The student will understand that feeling anxious when separated from loved ones is normal and will practice identifying healthy ways to communicate and manage those feelings. Materials Needed Discussion Guide "Worry to Wonder" Slide Deck Emotion Faces Cards (Cut out) Comfort Check Exit Ticket 1 Warm Introduction 3 MINS Sit with the student in a comfortable, quiet area (e.g., a beanbag or carpet spot). Gently ask: "Have you ever felt a little worried or butterflies in your stomach when you have to say goodbye to your grown-up?" Explain: "Today we're going to talk about those feelings. We call it 'separation anxiety,' and it's something many kids feel." 2 Brave Talk Discussion 4 MINS Use the Brave Talk Discussion Guide to prompt conversation. Focus on identifying the physical sensations of anxiety (e.g., "fast heart," "sticky hands"). Listen with empathy and validate: "I understand why that feels scary. Thank you for being brave and telling me." 3 Story Time Video 4 MINS Show the "Worry to Wonder" slide featuring the short film "It's OK to Feel Worried." After viewing, ask: "What did the character do when they felt worried? Did it help?" 4 Feeling Faces Activity 6 MINS Lay out the Emotion Faces Cards face up. Ask: "Can you pick the card that shows how you feel when it's time to say goodbye at school?" Discuss the choice. Then ask them to pick a card for how they want to feel, and discuss one thing they can do to get there. 5 Comfort Check Closure 3 MINS Summarize: Feeling worried is okay. Talking about it makes us feel better. We have grown-ups here who care about us. Help the student complete the Comfort Check Exit Ticket.
Brave Talk Discussion GuideBrave Talk Discussion Guide & Notes Student: Date: "It is normal to feel worried when we say goodbye. Talking about these feelings helps us feel brave and connected." 1 What are some things that make you feel anxious or worried when you're away from your parents or caregivers? 2 How does your body feel when you are worried about being separated? (Hint: Think about your stomach, your heart, or your hands.) 3 Who are the trusted adults you can talk to when you start to feel this way? Facilitator Note: Use this space to record the student's thoughts or let the student draw their feelings.
Emotion Faces Activity CardsEmotion Faces Cut out these cards to help express how you feel! 😊 Happy 😢 Sad 😟 Worried 😌 Calm 🤩 Excited Draw Your Own Feeling Teachers: Print on cardstock and cut along the dashed lines for best results.
Worry to Wonder SlidesWorry to Wonder Brave Hearts & Strong Connections It's Okay to Feel Worried Everyone feels butterflies in their stomach sometimes when saying goodbye. Those butterflies just mean you love your person very much! 🦋 Short Film: It's OK to Feel Worried Watch & Learn Embedded media Brave Heart Discussion 🤔 The Feeling What did the character do when they felt worried? 💡 The Idea Did their plan help them feel better? ✨ The Truth Can we try that today when we say goodbye? The Invisible String Even when we are apart, we are always connected by love. You are never alone! 💖 Connected Forever
Comfort Check Exit TicketComfort Check How are you feeling today? Name Date 1 What is one thing you can do when you feel anxious about being separated? Talk to a friend or grown-up Keep it all to yourself Try to ignore the feeling 2 Who can you talk to about your separation anxiety? A trusted adult (teacher, parent, counselor) No one at all A stranger you don't know 3 Draw one thing that makes you feel brave or happy! You are brave, you are loved, and you are connected! 💖
