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© 2023 by Dorcas Lledo-BrionPetals and Principles: Lessons Learned Under the Sun © 2023 Illustration: Jayson Jeremias & Ethan Roi BrionLayout: Kassandra Porteza, Jayson Jeremias & Ethan Roi Brion All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, ortransmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording,scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the priorwritten permission of the publisher. Published by Bibong PinayPrinted in the Republic of the Philippines ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

In a sun-dappled garden, where colors burst andscents enchant, there's more than just flowers andcritters to discover. Each bloom and buzzing bee,each fluttering butterfly and rustling leaf, holds atale, a lesson, a small nugget of wisdom waiting tobe shared."Petals and Principles" is not just a journey througha garden, but also a journey of the heart. As youturn each page, you'll meet kind creatures and seethe ways they live, love, and learn under the goldensun. Each tale, wrapped in vibrant colors andwhispered by the wind, brings forth a lesson aboutthe goodness we can nurture in ourselves.So, little explorers, as you embark on this adventure,remember: just as a garden grows with care andlove, so too can our character blossom under thewatchful eyes of the sun.Let's delve into the garden together and uncoverthe beautiful stories it holds.

In the glen where the bluebells ring,A courteous fox began to sing.With a nod, a smile, and words so neat,He showed the world how to kindly greet.

"Being polite," the fox would say,"Is showing kindness in every way."Not just in words, but actions too,Saying "please", "thank you", and "how do you do?"

The bunnies listened, the birds joined the song,Learning manners as they hopped along.

For in every gesture, every polite invite,Shines the gentle glow of doing what's right.

So, little ones, as you dance and twirl,Let politeness be your guiding swirl.For with every "thanks" and every "please",You spread warmth and put hearts at ease.

Can you think of a time when someone said'please' or 'thank you' to you? How did it makeyou feel?REFLECTION:

Reflection Time:Polite Challenges:Morning Manners:Storytime Sharing:Please & Thank You Game: At the end of the week, talk with your parents orguardians about the polite things you did. How did it make others feel? How did it make you feel?Remember, being polite not only makes othershappy but It makes you feel good too!Every morning, practice saying "Good morning" to your family. A simple greeting canstart the day on a positive note.Throughout the day, when you ask for something or receive something, remember to say"please" and "thank you." Make it a fun game! See how many times you can use thesepolite words in a day.Set a challenge for a week! Every day, try to do one extra polite thing that you wouldn’tnormally do, like holding the door open for someone or giving a compliment.When reading stories or watching shows, point out when characters are being polite anddiscuss why it's important. With your toys or friends, act out situations where you can show politeness. For instance,letting someone else go first on the swing or sharing a toy.During meals, practice asking for things politely like, "May I have some water, please?" or"Thank you for the food."Mealtime Manners: Role Play:ACTION PLAN CHECKLIST

In the forest, where shadows fall,A tiny mouse stood proud and tall.Facing winds, facing fears unknown,It showed the world how bravery's shown.

"Being brave," the mouse would squeak,"Is finding the strength, even when you're weak."Not roaring like lions, or flying like hawks,But taking small steps, despite the hard knocks.

The owls hooted, the squirrels clapped,Admiring the mouse, for the courage it tapped.

For in every challenge, dark or grave,There's a chance for each heart to be brave.

So, little ones, when night turns to day,Let the brave mouse guide your way.For with every challenge, big or small,You have the courage to face them all.

Can you think of a time when you felt a littlescared, but you tried anyway? What made youkeep going?REFLECTION:

Share Hero Stories:Celebrate Courage:Talk About Feelings:Brave Moments Diary:Practice Deep Breaths:Face Fears with Familiarity:Create an open environment where kids canexpress their fears. Knowing they are heard canoften empower them to be braver.If a child is scared of something specific, like the dark,try gradually exposing them to it in a safe environment until they become more comfortable.Teach kids to take three deep breaths when they're scared. This can help calm themdown and give them a moment to think.Give the kids a small diary or notebook. Whenever they do something brave, they candraw a picture or write about it. Looking back can give them confidence.Encourage kids to take on smaller challenges first. As they build confidence, they cantackle bigger challenges.Read stories about brave heroes, both real and fictional. Discuss their actions and howbravery made a difference.Introduce the concept of a "bravery buddy". When faced with a challenging situation,kids can buddy up with a friend to face it together.Whenever your child shows bravery, no matter how small the act, celebrate it. This couldbe through verbal praise, a sticker, or a small treat.Start with Small Steps:Bravery Buddy:ACTION PLAN CHECKLIST

In the meadow where the daisies bloom,Birds sang melodies that dispelled all gloom.Each note, each tune, sung with intent,Told tales of simple contentment.

"Contentment," cooed a gentle dove,"Is finding joy in what we have and love."Not chasing the winds, nor seeking the new,But cherishing moments, both old and true.

Little chicks listened, their eyes all aglow,Learning the rhythm, the ebb and the flow.For on each branch, and under each fern,Contentment is the song they'd learned.

So, little ones, as you hear birds in the trees,Remember their lesson carried by the breeze.For in each chirp, in the morning's light,Is a reminder to hold contentment tight.

Can you think of a time when you felt happywith what you had, even if it was somethingsmall or simple? What made you feel content?REFLECTION:

Nature Walks:Limit Exposure:Acts of Kindness:Story Discussions:Gratitude Journal:Celebrate Small Moments:Reduce the time kids spend watching commercialsor looking at catalogs. This can help decrease the desire for always wanting more.Instead of waiting for big occasions, celebrate small achievements and everyday joys. This reinforces theidea that happiness can be found in the simplest moments.Remember, contentment isn't about having everything but finding joy in the little things we do have.Set aside time for kids to share their favorite memories. It helps them realize thathappiness often comes from experiences rather than possessions.Organize walks in the park or garden. Encourage the children to notice the simplebeauty in nature, like the sound of leaves rustling or the pattern of clouds.Provide the kids with a small notebook. Encourage them to draw or write about onething they're thankful for each day. This can help them appreciate what they have.Organize activities where kids can give to others, such as sharing their toys or makingcrafts for friends. This teaches them the joy of giving and being content with makingothers happy.Instead of buying new toys, rotate the ones they already have. Store some toys awayand bring them out after a while. It makes old toys feel new and exciting again.After reading a story, discuss the characters and situations. Ask questions like, "Was thecharacter happy with what they had? Why or why not?"Memory Sharing:Toy Rotation:ACTION PLAN CHECKLIST

In a glen where soft streams flow,A wise turtle moved slow, slow, slow.When forest friends began to bicker,The turtle's steps became even quicker.

"Being a peacemaker," he'd explain,"Is easing hurt, mending pain."With a gentle word, a calming touch,He showed that peace means so much.

The bunnies listened, the foxes too,As the turtle's wisdom grew and grew.

In a world with both thunder and sun’s gleam,Peacemakers are the bridge in between.

So, little ones, when the world may seem greater,Become a kind-hearted peacemaker.For in each moment of harmony you create,You make the world lovingly great.

Can you remember a time when you or yourfriends were upset or disagreed on something?How did you feel, and what could you have doneto bring peace and understanding?REFLECTION:

Peace Dance:Deep Breaths:Peaceful Pals:Listening Ears:Storytelling Time:Compliment Chain:IRead stories about peace and understanding.Discuss with your parents or teachers the lessonslearned.Create a dance with slow, graceful movements.Whenever there's a disagreement, dance it out!Little adventurers, as you journey through forests offeelings and mountains of moods, remember the wiseturtle’s way. By being a peacemaker, you spread love,understanding, and harmony, making the world a morewonderful place for all.Practice listening to your friends or family members without interrupting. Sometimes,understanding starts with just listening.Whenever you play with your toys, create a story where two toys disagree and find away to understand each other.Learn phrases like "Let's find a solution together" or "I understand how you feel." Usethem when you want to bring calm.When you feel upset or see others getting upset, take three deep breaths. This will helpeveryone calm down and think clearly.Each day, give a compliment to someone. This helps in building a positive environment.Make a special spot in your room with soft pillows and your favorite book. When you feeloverwhelmed or angry, spend a few minutes there to relax.Peaceful Phrases:Cool-Down Corner:ACTION PLAN CHECKLIST

In a field where sunflowers stand tall,Joyful laughter began to sprawl.A bright beetle with spots of blue,Danced in delight as the day was new.