Brave Betsy helps children manage worries about saying goodbye and feel more confident when apart from loved ones.
Positive Self-Talk
“I am brave.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Brave Betsy
Introduce Brave Betsy, a real Powerful You kid who is learning to be brave and independent. Talk about how saying goodbye to someone we love can sometimes feel hard. Ask, “Have you ever felt nervous about going to school or trying something by yourself?”
2. Breathe & Stretch
Choose a simple stretch from the Breathe and Stretch on the Beach book or follow Betsy's FREE movement video. Practice taking a slow breath when feeling nervous about saying goodbye.
3. Read the Powerful You Story
Read Brave Betsy's story from the Powerful You Primary book or laminated cards. Talk about Betsy's feelings and remind children that it's okay to miss someone while they're away.
4. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Betsy's phrase together: “I am brave.” . Practice saying the words aloud and then quietly in their minds.
5. Write or Draw
Choose a writing or drawing activity from the Powerful You Primary book. Invite children to draw something they can do all by themselves, such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, or putting on their shoes.
6. Role-Play
Let children hold Betsy's laminated card and pretend to be Brave Betsy! Practice a happy morning goodbye. Give a hug, say “See you later,” and walk confidently toward the classroom. Try a quick five-second goodbye like the one on Betsy's sign.
7. Display the Skill Sign
Display Brave Betsy's Independent Morning Skills sign. Explore the things Betsy is learning to do by herself: comb her hair, wash her face, eat breakfast, brush her teeth, zip her jacket, get dressed, and tie her shoes. Invite children to choose one morning skill to practice at home.
8. Collect & Celebrate with Digital Brag Tags
Notice and celebrate children taking small steps toward independence, especially when saying goodbye or trying something new. Give Digital Brag Tags and say, “You used your Powerful You thinking!”