This is a made-up story. Ari is seven. Ari spends a long time building a tower. A block slips, and the tower falls. Ari shouts, "It is ruined!" and wants to sweep the blocks away.
How to use this page
Read together. Stop whenever you want. You can point to a part that makes sense or ask the adult to read it again.
What Ari noticed
Ari’s hands felt tight. Ari called the feeling "mad and disappointed." The adult said, "You worked hard on that. I can stay with you." Ari did not want a hug, so the adult stayed nearby without touching.
What Ari asked for
The adult offered a choice: sit together or put the blocks in a tray. Ari chose the tray and said, "Help me find the long blocks." The adult helped find two blocks. They left the rest for later.
What happened next
Ari built a small bridge instead. Ari still felt disappointed about the tower. Getting help did not make that feeling disappear. It made the next part easier. Later, Ari drew the tower to remember the idea. Another child might choose a break or a different game, and that can work too.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- What is one kind thing the adult did? You may draw or tell.