Margret Stöckler
This is me
After the children got to know our new friend Oups during the first days of school, Oups also wants to learn a lot about the children, to get to know them better. With this impulse, I start with the children into the topics of the Heart-Education concept "This is me" and "Me and my family".
In a pleasant circle, the children are allowed to describe themselves. My "little ones" immediately knew what they wanted to tell us, what was most important to them. The children listened to each other very curiously, and Oups also listened attentively. The children particularly liked being able to hold Oups in their hands for the first time in this round.
Very proudly and confidently, they declared: "I'm... and I love my dwarf rabbits", or "I'm... and I'm going to be a farmer one day!" I really liked this round! 
Afterwards, the children drew themselves in the workbook!
Me and my family
"Has your mom ever told you that you are her great treasure? Yes! And is your mom also your great treasure? Yessss! And your dad too? Yessss! And maybe you have a brother or a sister? Then you have many treasures, that's great…
In my class, fortunately, I was able to approach this topic without any bitter taste, as all the children's parents are present. A lot of sensitivity is needed when there are children in the group who are grieving the loss of a parent… Suggestions for wording can be found at the end of this blog post.
As treasures, I prepared a box full of glitter stones, and Oups first shows us how many treasures he carries in his heart. For each family member living with Oups, we place a stone on the carpet, and I name the "people" individually as I place them. Afterwards, each child takes turns placing "their treasures" on the carpet, and I also join in. When I then mention my partner Frank, it gets a little funny for a moment, because what could be less obvious than a Frankfurter giggle for a little break in between….
At the end of the round, a rather large "pile" has formed!
Now we are all very impressed by how many people we all carry in our hearts.
"When Oups' grandmother died, it was terrible for him. Oups still misses his grandmother terribly today… But do you know what he does when he's very, very sad again? He puts his hand on his heart and thinks of her firmly and lovingly. Sometimes he can even hear her voice, and then he knows that she loves him very much and that she is well, wherever she may be."
Empathy comforts children during separations – perhaps at least a little
"Did you know that Oups had to leave behind great treasures on his heart planet? Yes, when he decided to travel to us, he couldn't take something very important with him… what do you think it could be…? With this impulse, the children begin to learn how important Oups' family is to him, even if he left them for a time – or forever – and that he always carries them in his heart. With Oups, you can also convey to affected children that some farewells are necessary to embark on new paths, even if you have to leave behind people you love very much and miss terribly.
