Quiet Play and Reflection

Inspired by Molly thanking the sheep, children sit together in a circle and take turns sharing someone or something they are thankful for and why. It might be a person, an animal or even a small moment that helped them feel safe or brave.

• Gather in a circle in a calm space.
• One child begins by saying: “I want to say thank you to … because …” and names what they are thankful for and why.
• The next child takes a turn and so on around the circle.
• Encourage listening quietly while others share.

• The Thank-You Circle helps children notice the people and things that are important to them.
• It builds kindness, listening and appreciation within the group.
• When the thanks are directed to someone in the circle, it gives that person a chance to hear the positive difference they make – which builds confidence.

• The Thank-You Circle brings gratitude into everyday language, especially valuable when many outside messages can feel negative.
• It works well at the end of the day or week, so children carry a sense of positivity with them.
• The Thank-You Circle can include people of all ages – there is no limit to spreading joy, which is a central message of Molly’s world.

Inspired by the story within Molly’s Secret, a Bravery Achievement Journal is a place where children can draw or write one small thing that made them feel brave today, or where they achieved or overcame something. It doesn’t matter how small or big it feels. It could be trying a new food, speaking up in class, making a new friend or walking into a dark room.

• Give each child a notebook, or use a large sheet of paper where everyone can add their part if it is a group exercise.
• At the end of the day, ask:
  • What made you feel brave today?
  • What have you overcome?
  • What have you achieved?
• Children can write a few words or draw a picture to show their brave moment or achievement.
• Over time, the journal becomes a record of achievement and bravery that can be      looked back on and celebrated.

• The Bravery Achievement Journal shows that bravery doesn’t always mean big, dramatic acts – sometimes it’s the little steps that matter most.
• It encourages reflection, self-expression and pride in personal growth. 

• Adults often slip into the belief that only large achievements count, which can undermine confidence. This can start at an early age if children do not receive positive recognition for small successes or are criticised too heavily for minor mistakes.
• A simple, regular practice like this helps children build self-belief and self-esteem by noticing the value of small steps, instead of relying only on external validation.