Making the Team: Jack's Missed Goal

For teachers and therapists supporting children aged 6 to 12 in developing emotional resilience, emotional literacy, and navigating the challenges of striving for their best, particularly in sports or school.

Jack dreamed of making the rep hockey team. He practiced hard, believed in himself, and filled his vision board with positive affirmations. But when the final list was posted, Jack's name wasn't on it. His two best friends made the team, but he didn't. Suddenly, he felt like all his effort didn't matter.

Gramma Kate meets Jack after tryouts and helps him talk through his feelings. Together, they explore what it means to be disappointed and how to keep going when things don't work out. Jack begins to understand that emotions are part of every journey and that learning to name and express them is just as crucial as any win on the ice.

Themes and Emotions Explored in This Story:

• Teaching feelings in real-life situations that children face
• Building emotional literacy through open and supportive conversations
• Growing emotional resilience after a setback or rejection
• Handling peer comparison and feelings of failure
• Encouraging self-reflection and positive self-talk
• Supporting boys in expressing emotions in healthy ways

Making the Team is a supportive resource for teachers, therapists, and counsellors to help children understand their emotions, bounce back from disappointment, and feel proud of who they are, no matter the outcome.