Feeling Garden Slides The Feeling Garden
Lesson 1: Heart Helpers
Welcome to our club! Today, we are learning how to be "Heart Helpers" by exploring the feelings inside us.
How is your heart today?
Sunny
Happy, excited, calm
Rainy
Sad, tired, lonely
Stormy
Angry, frustrated, worried
Feelings are like Flowers
Every feeling is okay! Just like a garden has many different plants, our hearts have many different feelings. We just need to know how to take care of them.
Looking for Clues
What is your head thinking?
Is your heart beating fast?
Are your hands tight or wiggly?
We can be "Feeling Detectives"!
Activity Time!
Let's draw our own "Feeling Blooms."
What does your garden look like today?
Emotional Blooms Worksheet Emotional Blooms
The Feeling Garden • Lesson 1
NAME:
DATE:
Draw how you are feeling inside your garden. You can draw different flowers for different feelings!
My Feeling Garden
Happy
Sad
Mad
One word for my garden today:
Group Kickoff Guide Teacher Resource
Group Kickoff Guide
Lesson 1: Heart Helpers
30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Identify basic emotions (Happy, Sad, Mad, Worried).
Connect physical body clues to internal feelings.
Establish safe group boundaries and norms.
Materials Needed
"Feeling Garden Slides"
"Emotional Blooms Worksheet"
Crayons / Colored Pencils
Lesson Pacing
5
min
Arrival & Warm-Up
Introduce the group as the "Heart Helpers." Use Slide 2 for the heart check-in. Have each girl share her "Heart Weather" (Sunny, Rainy, Stormy).
"In this garden, every feeling is okay. We are here to help each other's hearts grow."
10
min
Being a Feeling Detective
Use Slides 3 & 4 . Explain how our bodies give us clues. Ask: "Where do you feel anger in your body? In your tummy? In your hands?"
Role Play: Act out a feeling (e.g., Sad) using only body language and have them guess the bloom.
10
min
Drawing Blooms
Hand out the Emotional Blooms Worksheet . Encourage them to use colors that match their feelings (Blue for sad, Yellow for happy, etc.).
Walk around and offer "detective help" to label feelings they might be struggling to name.
5
min
Group Closing
Have each girl share one bloom from her garden. End with a group cheer or a gentle "Deep Breath Bloom" (breathe in like smelling a flower, out like blowing a dandelion).
Facilitation Tips
Validation: If a student shares a difficult feeling, validate it immediately: "Thank you for sharing that stormy feeling. It's okay to have storms in our garden."
Physicality: 1st graders learn through movement. Incorporate "Feeling Poses" throughout the discussion.
Scenario Task Cards Problem Patch Task Cards
Is it a Tiny Glitch, a Medium Bump, or a Big Emergency?
You are writing a story and your pencil lead breaks.
Card #1
A friend tells you that they don't want to play with you today.
Card #2
You see smoke coming out of the microwave in the cafeteria.
Card #3
The teacher says you have to wait for your turn on the tablet.
Card #4
You accidentally knock over your water and it gets on your desk.
Card #5
Someone fell on the playground and their leg is hurt very badly.
Card #6
You wanted the purple marker but someone else is using it.
Card #7
The power goes out at school and it is very dark in the room.
Card #8
You realize you left your lunchbox at home on the counter.
Card #9
A student is following you and calling you mean names.
Card #10
You can't find your favorite library book in your backpack.
Card #11
There is a stray dog running loose on the playground.
Card #12
How to use these cards:
Read: Take turns reading a scenario out loud to your group.
Think & Discuss: Decide if the problem is a Tiny Glitch , Medium Bump , or Big Emergency . Why?
Rate: Color in the circles at the bottom: 1 circle for Tiny, 2 for Medium, 3 for Big.
Problem Sizer Slides Tiny vs. Tough
Lesson 2: Sizing Our Problems
Glitch
Bump
Emergency
Size 1
A Tiny Glitch
A glitch is a tiny problem . You can fix it all by yourself! It's like a tiny weed in the garden.
Your pencil broke.
You aren't first in line.
You dropped your eraser.
Size 2
A Medium Bump
A bump is a medium problem . You might need a teacher or a friend to help you solve it.
Someone was mean to you.
You can't find your lunchbox.
You don't understand the work.
Size 3
A Big Emergency
An emergency is a big problem . Someone is hurt, unsafe, or in danger. A grown-up MUST help right away!
Someone fell and is bleeding.
A stranger is in the building.
You see a fire.
Problem Sizer Challenge!
I'll name a problem. You hold up your fingers to show the size!
1
Tiny Glitch
2
Medium Bump
3
Big Emergency
Task Cards Answer Key Answer Key: Scenario Task Cards
Lesson 2: Tiny vs. Tough
Size 1: Tiny Glitch
Little things you can handle alone.
Size 2: Medium Bump
Stuck or hurt feelings. May need help.
Size 3: Big Emergency
Danger or big injury. Need help NOW.
Card # Scenario Correct Size Reasoning Tip 1 Pencil lead breaks Glitch I can sharpen it or get a new one. 2 Friend won't play Bump Big feelings! I might need a teacher to help me join in. 3 Smoke in microwave Emergency Danger! Fire risk needs an adult immediately. 4 Waiting for tablet turn Glitch Waiting is hard, but it's not a danger. 5 Knock over water Glitch Unless it ruined a project, just get a paper towel! 6 Bad injury on playground Emergency Safety! The person needs the nurse or a doctor. 7 Marker being used Glitch I can wait or pick a different color for now. 8 Power goes out Emergency School-wide safety issue. Needs immediate teacher lead. 9 Left lunchbox home Bump Need help from the teacher/cafeteria to get food. 10 Following/Mean names Bump Bullying behavior always needs adult intervention. 11 Lost library book Glitch Can keep looking! Not a safety danger. 12 Stray dog on playground Emergency Unsafe animal! Everyone needs to go inside now.
A Note on Subjectivity:
First graders often feel that social "Bumps" are "Emergencies." Use these cards to validate their feelings ("It feels like an emergency inside!") while distinguishing them from actual danger ("But we are safe.").
Problem Patch Activity The Problem Patch
Cut & Sort
Cut out the problem flowers at the bottom and glue them into the correct size bucket!
Size 1: Tiny Glitch
Size 2: Medium Bump
Size 3: Emergency
Cut along the dotted lines
1
My friend won't let me play tag at recess.
2
I can't find my green crayon.
3
A student is having trouble breathing.
4
I broke my pencil lead.
5
A stove in the kitchen is on fire.
6
Someone teased me on the bus.
Sizing Scenarios Guide Sizing Scenarios Guide
Lesson 2: Tiny vs. Tough
The Goal
Teach girls to objectively evaluate a problem before reacting.
Vocabulary
Glitch, Bump, Emergency, Solve, Grown-up help.
Quick Tip
Validate the feeling even if the problem is a glitch .
Discussion Points
What is a Glitch? (Size 1)
"A glitch is like a tiny pebble in your shoe. It's annoying, but you can keep walking once you shake it out. Do we need an ambulance for a broken pencil?"
What is a Bump? (Size 2)
"A bump is when someone is being mean or you're stuck. You might feel a little stuck. It's okay to ask a friend or teacher to help you over the bump."
What is an Emergency? (Size 3)
"This is the big stuff. Danger, safety, or big hurts. These are rare, but we need to know who to run to when they happen."
Practice Round: "The Problem Sizer"
Scenario Size Role Play Prompt Someone took your favorite swing. Glitch "I can find another swing or wait my turn." You got a papercut that's bleeding. Bump "Teacher, may I please have a band-aid?" A student is hitting others on purpose. Emergency "I need to tell a grown-up right away to stay safe."
Teacher Note:
Watch for students who see all problems as emergencies. This is common in 1st grade girls. Gently redirect by asking: "Can we fix this ourselves?" or "is anyone in real danger?"
Reaction Ruler Slides The Reaction Ruler
Lesson 3: Matching our Mood to the Moment
Is your reaction as big as the problem? Or is it way too huge?
The Perfect Match
1
Tiny Problem
Tiny Reaction
2
Medium Problem
Medium Reaction
When they match...
Everyone stays calm!
Uh Oh! A "Too Big" Reaction
PROBLEM
Size 1: Dropped Crayon
REACTION
Screaming & Crying
If the reaction is HUGE and the problem is TINY , people get confused or worried.
Is it a Match?
The Problem:
My turn is over on the iPad.
The Reaction:
I stomp my feet and throw the iPad.
NO MATCH!
The Problem:
My turn is over on the iPad.
The Reaction:
I sigh, say "Aw man," and hand it over.
PERFECT MATCH!
Let's Use Our Ruler
We are going to look at some problems and draw the reaction that MATCHES !
Match the Mood Worksheet Match the Mood
The Feeling Garden • Lesson 3
Name:
Draw a face that MATCHES the problem size!
Big problems get big faces, tiny glitches get tiny faces.
SIZE 1
"I can't find my eraser."
Draw a tiny reaction face
SIZE 2
"Someone told me I can't play."
Draw a medium reaction face
SIZE 3
"I fell down and my leg hurts a lot."
Draw a big reaction face
Remember: If it's a Size 1, keep it a Size 1!
Reaction Reflection Guide Reaction Reflection Guide
Lesson 3: The Reaction Ruler
The Key Concept: "Emotional Matching"
The goal of this lesson is not to shame big emotions, but to help students understand the social impact of their reactions. In 1st grade, "Size 1" problems often trigger "Size 5" reactions because students lack the perspective to distinguish between a broken pencil and a safety emergency.
Discussion Prompts
The "Whoa!" Moment:
"Have you ever seen someone scream really loud because they lost a game? Did it make you feel happy or a little worried? Why?"
The Super-Small Match:
"If I drop a tiny crumb on the floor, should I call 911? No! That would be a huge reaction for a teeny glitch."
Positive Reinforcement
"When a student handles a glitch well, point it out immediately to the group:"
"Maya, I noticed your crayon broke and you just took a deep breath and grabbed another one. That was a PERFECT MATCH! You kept a Size 1 problem at a Size 1."
Troubleshooting "Too Big" Reactions
If a girl says... Try responding with... "But it feels like a big problem to me!" "I believe you. Your heart feels really stormy right now. Let's look at the Problem Patch together—is anyone hurt? No? Okay, then let's use a tiny reaction even though your heart feels big." "I can't stop my screaming." "Sometimes our engines get too fast. We are going to learn some 'Brakes' next week. For now, let's practice our 'Smell the Flower' breath."
Next Lesson Prep:
Gather "Calm Kit" materials: Bubbles, tactile fidgets, or colorful paper for "Break Cards."
Calm Classroom Slides Calm Classroom Kit
Lesson 4: Strategies for Your Desk
The Flower Breath
When you feel a storm starting in your heart, use your magic flower!
Smell the flower (In... 1, 2, 3)
Blow the candle (Out... 1, 2, 3)
Role Play This!
Grounding Magic
When your brain is too "buzzy," find these things:
5
Things you SEE
4
Things you TOUCH
3
Things you HEAR
2
Things you SMELL
1
Thing you TASTE
I need a break
Please & Thank You
Asking for Help
Sometimes we just need a minute . You can use your "Break Card" quietly at your desk.
Put the card on your desk.
Sit quietly for 2 minutes.
Join the class when ready.
Planting Our Strategies
Today we will make your "Desk Strategy Seeds."
You can keep them in your desk to use whenever you have a "Bump" or a "Glitch!"
Strategy Seed Cards Strategy Seed Cards
The Feeling Garden • Desk Toolkit
Color these cards, cut them out, and tape them to your desk or keep them in your pencil box!
Flower Breath
Smell the flower (In... 1, 2, 3)
Blow the candle (Out... 1, 2, 3)
5-4-3-2-1
5 Things I See
4 Things I Touch
3 Things I Hear
2 Things I Smell
1 Thing I Taste
I Need A Break
Quietly wait for 2 minutes
I Need Help
Wait for a teacher to come over
Which seed will you plant today?
BREATHING
5-4-3-2-1
BREAK CARD
Cool Down Coach Guide Group Facilitator Resource
Cool Down Coach Guide
Lesson 4: Calm Classroom Kit
The Objective
Empower girls to independently select and use a calming tool before a reaction becomes too big. This lesson shifts from identification (Lessons 1-3) to action .
Toolkit Setup
Help students find a physical home for their Strategy Seed Cards . Suggestions: Taped to the corner of their desk, inside their pencil case, or in a special "Heart Helper" folder.
Role Play Scripts
Scenario: The Broken Pencil (Size 1)
COACH PROMPT:
"Oh no! My pencil just broke right in the middle of my favorite drawing. I feel a stormy heart coming!"
STUDENT GOAL:
Demonstrate the Flower Breath . "It's okay, I'll smell the flower... blow the candle... then I'll just go sharpen it."
Scenario: Too Loud & Buzzy (Sensory Overload)
COACH PROMPT:
"The classroom is so loud. My brain feels like it's full of bees. I want to yell 'Quiet!'"
STUDENT GOAL:
Demonstrate 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding . "I see a chair, I see a poster... I'm looking at my shoes..."
Teacher-Student "Contract"
Explain to the girls how to use the Break Card with their teacher. They must agree that:
It's a quiet card, not a shouting card.
It lasts for 2 minutes, then they try again.
The teacher will always say "Thank you for taking care of your heart."
Garden Review Slides Garden Party!
Lesson 5: Celebrating Our Growth
You are a Heart Helper Expert!
Our Journey
1
Identifying Blooms (Feelings)
2
Sizing Problems (Glitch vs. Emergency)
3
Matching Reactions (The Ruler)
Master Gardeners!
The "When I..." Plan
When I have a MEDIUM BUMP...
I will use my FLOWER BREATH...
And keep my heart CALM!
Today, you'll make your very own poster!
Garden Graduation
Get Your Certificate
Sweet Treat / Share
Celebration Music
Remember: You can ALWAYS be a Heart Helper!
My Growth Poster My Growth Poster
Certified Heart Helper
Me!
1
When I have a problem...
I size it up first!
2
My favorite calm strategy is...
3
I am a Heart Helper because...
Keep Your Heart Sunny!
I promise to try my best to match my reaction to my problem.
SIGNATURE: __________________________ DATE: ____________
Group Celebration Guide Group Celebration Guide
Lesson 5: Garden Party
Graduation Day
Teacher Tip:
The last session is for positive associations. We want the girls to leave feeling empowered and proud of their "Heart Helper" status. Make the review fast and the celebration BIG!
The Lightning Review (10 Mins)
Lesson 1-2
What's a Glitch?
Student: "A tiny problem I fix alone!"
Lesson 3
What's a Match?
Student: "Small problem = Small reaction!"
Lesson 4
What's a Tool?
Student: "Flower breath or Break card!"
The Celebration Ceremony (15 Mins)
1
The Poster: Hand out "My Growth Poster." Allow girls to use markers, stickers, or glitter to make it special. This is their takeaway "cheat sheet."
2
The Share-Out: Go around the circle. Each girl shares one "Heart Helper" moment she is proud of from the last week.
3
The Handshake: Create a special "Heart Helper Handshake" (e.g., clap, heart-fingers, high-five).
Note to Classroom Teacher
"We finished our 5-week 'Feeling Garden' group! The girls have Strategy Seed cards on their desks. When you see a student handling a glitch, please use the language 'Great Match!' or 'Thank you for being a Heart Helper.' Consistency across the school day is key!"