FLIPPING YOUR LID ACTIVITIES – My Upstairs and Downstairs Brain Social Story SEL

Need a gentle and engaging way to teach children about big feelings and calming down? Our Flipping My Lid social narrative for very young children is a simple, age-appropriate resource designed to help little learners understand their emotions, what happens in their brain during big feelings, and how they can feel safe and calm again.

Using child-friendly language, relatable brain helper characters (Wise Owl, Guard Dog, and Memory Elephant), and clear visual metaphors, this early childhood SEL story supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and calm-down strategies in a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming way.

What’s Included:

A social story about big feelings and “flipping your lid”

• Simplified explanation of the upstairs brain (thinking) and downstairs brain (feeling)
• Introduces three brain helpers:
  • Wise Owl – helps you think and stay calm
  • Guard Dog – barks when you feel upset or unsafe
  • Memory Elephant – remembers what’s happened before
• Simple examples young children can relate to
• Easy-to-use calm-down strategies for children
• A warm introductory letter, FAQs, and brain team visuals

This resource is a must-have for any counselors toolkit. Whether you’re supporting little ones in managing meltdowns, learning about their brains, or practicing calming strategies – this story speaks their language.

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► Looking for more SEL workbook topics? We’ve got you covered!

• Behavior and Feelings Workbook
• Gossiping & Rumors Workbook for Teens 
• CBT Workbook – Thoughts Feelings Behaviors for Teenagers
• Self Esteem and Feelings Workbook
• Emotions & Self Care Workbook
• My Anger Management Workbook

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