Teach kids how to draw their emotions in this free teaching activity inspired by A Leaf Called Greaf by Kelly Canby

In A Leaf Called Greaf, Greaf changes with the seasons, and so does Bear. As Greaf leaves him, Bear feels a lightness and warmth that he had almost forgotten. Greaf has gone, but Bear knows its memory will hold a special place in his heart forever.

In this activity, we ask children to draw their feelings to help them identify and describe their emotions related to grief.

Further discussion questions may include:

• Before reading the story, point out the title, author/illustrator and blurb. Make three predictions about the story based on the title and cover illustration. After reading the story, consider whether your predictions were accurate or not.
• Look closely at the first spread. Describe what you see. How does it make you feel?
• What do you think the white bear outlines represent?
• What words and phrases from the text show that Bear looked after Greaf?

You can download the activity sheets here and, for more teaching activities, download the free teaching notes here.