🌼 Bruised but Blooming: The Littlest Daffodil
A Social-Emotional Learning Assembly for Students of All Ages
Real Stories. Real Feelings. Real Growth.
Bruised but Blooming is a live, trauma-informed, interactive school assembly and SEL experience with author Leah Stevens. Through story, conversation, and creative activities, students learn to talk about tough feelings, build resilience, and support each other through life’s hardest moments.
Why Book This Assembly?
This program is designed to help teachers, counselors, and administrators meet critical Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards in a way that’s gentle, genuine, and deeply memorable for every child.
Stories That Heal – Skills That Last a Lifetime
What to Expect
What to Expect from Bruised but Blooming: The Littlest Daffodil
- A gentle, interactive read-aloud of The Littlest Daffodil—with live discussion, questions, and real talk about big feelings.
- Simple breathing exercises and self-care tools kids can use any time they feel overwhelmed.
- Honest conversation about loss, change, and “why me?” moments, tailored for all ages.
- Practical, trauma-informed strategies for expressing feelings, finding support, and building resilience—taught through story and gentle activities.
- A hands-on art project: every student creates their own daffodil as a visual tool for talking about emotions and supporting friends.
- Plenty of space for students to ask questions, share, and know they’re not alone.
Every student leaves with real tools for hard days—and a sense of belonging that lasts long after the assembly is over.
Format & Booking
Best for Classrooms or Small Groups (35–50 students)
This program is designed for up-close, personal engagement, so every child feels seen and supported.
Booking includes:
- Up to four 45-minute classroom assemblies per day
- Additional classes available upon request
- Option to adapt for larger assemblies by special request
(And a gentle art project every student gets to take home!)
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Outcomes
Trauma-Informed & SEL-Aligned
Bruised but Blooming: The Littlest Daffodil is crafted to support your school’s Social-Emotional Learning goals—especially for children navigating illness, trauma, loss, or other challenges.
Through gentle storytime, open conversation, and creative activities, students will:
- Identify their emotions and inner strengths (Self-Awareness)
- Practice resilience strategies like breathing, reflection, and perseverance (Self-Management)
- Build empathy and recognize others’ need for support (Social Awareness)
- Ask for help, build trust, and receive encouragement (Relationship Skills)
- Choose hope, seek support, and make healthy decisions (Responsible Decision-Making)
This assembly is fully aligned with the five core CASEL competencies and the California Department of Education’s SEL priorities.
Our trauma-informed approach creates a safe, supportive environment where every child can find belonging, hope, and the courage to bloom through challenges.
About Ella
This book was written for the original “littlest daffodil”, Ella.
Ella’s bravery through pediatric leukemia inspired this story and continues to shine for so many families facing hard times. Her journey is still unfolding, and her family’s faith-fueled hope is the thread that unites our hearts to theirs.
Learn more about Ella’s story and find ways to support her family.
Get the Book
- Direct purchase on Amazon
- 100% of author royalties are donated.
- Bulk/discounts for classrooms—just ask!
How does my purchase help?
100% of my author royalties directly to Ella’s family to help with medical bills and support. If you buy in person or through special events, even more goes directly to the family! Thank you for making a difference!
You may further help by visiting the GoFundMe
