Help young learners recognize fear, notice helpful clues and choose safe, supported next steps with this complete
Kindergarten self-regulation lesson. Understanding Fear pairs a thoughtful read-aloud discussion with an engaging Bravery Badge activity, a student thinking mat, observation-based assessment, differentiation ideas and clear curriculum connections.
FEATURED READ-ALOUD Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt The published book is not included. Teachers will need to obtain their own legally purchased or borrowed copy.
LESSON OVERVIEW Students explore fear as a valid feeling that can signal uncertainty or possible danger. During a supported read-aloud conversation, children notice body, expression and situation clues; consider what information might help; and identify manageable choices such as asking for help, taking a break, setting a boundary or trying one supported step. Students then design a Bravery Badge for themselves, an imagined character or someone in a story. Personal disclosure, wearing the badge and sharing are always optional.
WHAT'S INCLUDED -
Educator lesson-plan page with learning goal, success criteria, materials, vocabulary and a complete lesson sequence
Assessment, documentation, differentiation and next-steps page - Ontario Kindergarten Curriculum 2026 connections
-Relevant U.S. Common Core Kindergarten ELA connections
Fear & Brave Choices student thinking mat -
My Bravery Badge student template with four badge choices
SKILLS EXPLORED
- Identifying and naming fear - Noticing body, expression and situational clues - Distinguishing uncertainty from possible danger with adult support - Asking for help and seeking information - Communicating a boundary or supported choice - Choosing a manageable next step - Participating in read-aloud conversations - Representing ideas through drawing, symbols, words, dictation or AAC
ONTARIO KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM 2026 CONNECTIONS Strand
A: Foundations of Language and Mathematics
A1.1: Listen and respond in a variety of contexts and for different purposes.
A1.2: Use language conventions and non-verbal communication.
Strand C: Self-Regulation and Well-Being
C15.2: Demonstrate a willingness to try new experiences and to adapt to new situations.
C15.4: Demonstrate self-control and adapt behaviour to different contexts.
C16.4: Discuss what action to take when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, in person or online, and when and how to seek assistance.
U.S. COMMON CORE KINDERGARTEN CONNECTIONS
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations about Kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.4: Describe familiar people, places, things and events with prompting and support.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SUGGESTED CLASSROOM USES -
Whole-group read-aloud lesson - Small-group self-regulation instruction - Social-emotional learning block - School-readiness or transition support - Guidance or student-support groups - Portfolio documentation and conferencing - Follow-up lesson after a general discussion about worries, uncertainty or asking for help.
INTENDED FOR Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten and Kindergarten learners, approximately ages 4-6. The lesson can also support early primary students who benefit from explicit emotion vocabulary and visual choices.
DIFFERENTIATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Students may respond by speaking, pointing, drawing, gesturing, dictating, selecting a visual or using AAC. The lesson includes options for imagined or story-based situations so children are never required to disclose personal fears. Educators can offer pre-cut badge shapes, adapted scissors, larger materials, reduced choices, private work space, partner support and first-language emotion words. Extension ideas support students who are ready to compare choices and explain why a step may feel manageable.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE This is an educational classroom resource, not counselling or crisis-intervention material. Take all safety concerns seriously and follow school, board and jurisdictional procedures.
COPYRIGHT AND AFFILIATION CLARIFICATION Scaredy Squirrel and Mélanie Watt are referenced only as an optional read-aloud connection. This resource is independently created and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the author, illustrator or publisher. The book and its illustrations are not reproduced and the book is not included.
