Build vocabulary, emotional intelligence, and science skills with this comprehensive story pack based on the beloved classic “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn! Perfect for exploring separation anxiety, woodland animals, and social-emotional learning.
These Montessori-inspired materials support language development, zoology learning, and emotional awareness through concrete, visual activities based on Chester Raccoon’s heartwarming journey from worry to happiness.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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20 Vocabulary Picture Cards: Woodland animals, emotions, story elements
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Intermediate Matching Set: 3 difficulty levels (similar matching, picture-silhouette, silhouette-silhouette)
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My Day and Night Animals Mat: Venn diagram sorting activity
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My Feelings Art Keepsake Page: SEL drawing/expression
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Clear instructions
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Extension activity suggestions
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Digital PDF – Instant Download – Print and Go format
HOW TO USE:
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Download and print materials
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Laminate cards and mats for durability (optional)
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Present vocabulary cards and model language
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Guide children through matching activities at their level
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Use Day and Night mat for animal behaviour sorting
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Complete My Feelings page for emotional expression
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Encourage independent exploration and discussion
IDEAL FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE:
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Celebrating love, family, and Valentine’s themes
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Exploring separation anxiety and new beginnings
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Developing emotional vocabulary and self-awareness
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Learning about woodland animals and nocturnal behaviour
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Building communication through picture recognition
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Processing feelings about school transitions
KEY FEATURES:
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Montessori-Inspired Design: Realistic photography and hands-on materials support child-led vocabulary development
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Dual-Season Versatility: Perfect for Valentine’s Day (love, family bonds) AND Back-to-School (separation anxiety, new beginnings)
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Social-Emotional Learning: Comprehensive SEL focus with emotion vocabulary, feelings art activity, and grace & courtesy themes central to the story
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Zoology & Science: My Day and Night Animals Mat teaches nocturnal/diurnal behaviour with fact vs. fiction discussion opportunities
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Language Development: Builds communication skills through story vocabulary, woodland animals, and emotion-themed conversations
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Progressive Difficulty: Matching activities range from simple similar matching to challenging silhouette work – perfect for mixed-age Casa classrooms
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Emotional Intelligence: Helps children identify, express, and process feelings through multiple modalities (vocabulary, discussion, art)
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Classroom Ready: Perfect for individual exploration, small group activities, whole-class SEL lessons, or family engagement
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Flexible Implementation: Works standalone or combines with Valentine’s activities, back-to-school units, woodland animal studies, or year-round SEL curriculum
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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Develop story vocabulary through systematic word recognition practice
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Build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness (worried, love, brave, happy)
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Understand animal behaviour (nocturnal vs. diurnal animals)
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Support language development and naming skills
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Enhance visual discrimination through progressive matching activities
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Strengthen vocabulary retention through hands-on exploration
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Process separation anxiety and new beginnings through story connection
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Practice categorisation and sorting skills with Venn diagram
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Express emotions through creative art activity
DUAL-SEASON TEACHING APPLICATIONS:
Valentine’s Day:
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Focus on love, family bonds, and showing affection
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Emphasise “Something that makes me feel loved” on feelings page
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Celebrate parent-child relationships and comfort
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Perfect for family-themed units
Back-to-School:
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Process separation anxiety and new beginnings
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Support children facing school transitions
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Focus on brave and worried feelings on art page
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Build classroom community through shared emotional experiences
Transform literacy learning into meaningful emotional growth with these educator-designed materials that make story vocabulary, woodland animals, and feelings accessible and developmentally appropriate for young learners.
