Friendship
Notice what Brin and Melly each bring to their friendship and how trust grows through small moments.
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Free resource for school and home
Free Teacher & Parent SEL Guide
Use Brin and Melly to help children talk about friendship, courage, kindness, empathy, and belonging.
Social and emotional learning
A simple companion for meaningful conversations
This free printable guide helps teachers, parents, and caregivers use the Brin and Melly story to begin age appropriate conversations with children ages 3 to 8.
The questions and activities focus on recognizing emotions, understanding different perspectives, building healthy friendships, making courageous choices, and helping others feel that they belong.
SEL themes in the story
Four ideas children can carry with them
Courage
Explore how bravery can mean asking for help, trying something new, or taking one careful next step.
Kindness
Identify caring words and actions that help another person feel safe, seen, and valued.
Belonging
Talk about how two very different characters find common ground and make space for each other.
For teachers
Bring SEL into your read aloud
- Use the discussion questions before, during, or after a classroom read aloud.
- Invite students to identify moments of friendship, courage, kindness, and belonging.
- Connect the story to morning meetings, classroom community, or reflection writing.
- Let students draw or describe one brave and caring choice they can make.
For parents and caregivers
Continue the conversation at home
- Read the story together and pause when Brin or Melly makes an important choice.
- Ask your child how each character helps the other feel understood and included.
- Connect the characters’ experiences to friendships at home, school, or in the community.
- Choose one activity from the guide for a calm family conversation.
Questions about the guide
Helpful details
What ages is the SEL guide designed for?
The guide is written for children ages 3 to 8 and can be adapted for preschool and elementary conversations.
Do I need to be a teacher to use it?
No. The guide is designed for teachers, parents, caregivers, librarians, and anyone reading Brin and Melly with children.
Is the guide free?
Yes. The printable PDF is free to download and use at home or in your classroom.
What SEL skills does it support?
The activities support conversations about friendship, empathy, courage, kindness, perspective taking, and belonging.
Ready to begin
Download the free guide
Use it with Brin and Melly during your next classroom read aloud, family story time, or small group conversation.