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Lesson Plan

Discovering Resilience with Silly Lily

Grade Level: 1st–3rd Grade

Subject Areas: Reading, Health Education, SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)

Duration: 1 hour

 

Materials Needed:

  • Copies of Silly Lily and Her Feeding Tube (1 per class or group)

  • Drawing paper, crayons/markers

  • Soft discussion ball (or plush toy)

  • “My Superhero Self” template

  • Feelings emoji cards (optional)

  • Chart paper for Kindness Poster (optional)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

  • Understand what it means to live with a chronic illness in an age-appropriate way.

  • Recognize and celebrate resilience, both in the story and in themselves.

  • Practice empathy, listening, and respectful sharing.

  • Creatively express their own strengths and challenges.

Lesson Flow

1. Welcome & Feelings Check-In (5–7 minutes)

  • Greet students and explain you’ll be learning about a brave girl named Silly Lily.

  • Ask: “How are you feeling today?” Show feelings using faces, thumbs, or emoji cards.

  • Introduce the Silly Lily Foundation in simple terms (ex: “They help kids feel seen, included, and brave no matter what their bodies look like or need.”)

  • Emphasize how everyone is special and has a story that deserves kindness and respect.

2. Interactive Read-Aloud (20 minutes)

  • Read Silly Lily and Her Feeding Tube aloud.

  • Pause for guided questions:

    • “What do you think Silly Lily is feeling right now?”

    • “What would you say to Silly Lily if you were her friend?”

  • Optional vocabulary spotlight: “Feeding tube,” “resilient,” “included,” “hospital,” “brave.”

3. Circle Discussion with the Kindness Ball (10–12 minutes)

Using a soft discussion ball or plush toy, take turns answering:

  • “What was your favorite moment in the story?”

  • “How might a feeding tube change someone’s day?”

  • “Have you ever felt different or needed help?”

  • “Who helps you feel strong when things are hard?”

4. Creative Activity – “My Superhero Self” (15 minutes)

Distribute drawing templates or plain paper. Instructions:

  • “Draw yourself as a superhero!”

  • “Think of a special power you have—not just muscles, but maybe kindness, bravery, creativity, or being a great helper!”

  • Optional writing prompts:

    • My superhero name is…

    • My power is…

    • I use it when…

5. Share & Celebrate (5–7 minutes)

  • Invite a few volunteers to show their superhero selves.

  • Reflect together: “What did we learn about ourselves today?” “How can we be kind like Lily?”

  • Affirm: “Everyone has something amazing about them—even if you can’t always see it.”

Extension Ideas / Follow-Up

   

1. Create Cards or Drawings for Real Kids

Coordinate with the Silly Lily Foundation to send letters or artwork to children who receive Silly Lily books.

 

2. Kindness & Inclusion Poster

Make a class poster: “Ways We Can Be Like Silly Lily” Students add drawings or words: “Help a friend,” “Say kind things,” “Be brave,” etc.

Standards Alignment (Optional)

 

  • Common Core ELA: RL.1.1, RL.2.3, SL.1.1, SL.2.4

  • CASEL SEL Competencies: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills