Make a Brave Feather
A Nanny Wind Craft Corner Activity
Sometimes bravery is loud.
Sometimes bravery is quiet.
Sometimes bravery sounds like saying, “I can try.”
Sometimes it feels like taking one tiny breath before doing something new.
And sometimes, bravery begins with a single word held in a child’s hand.
In this Craft Corner activity, children create a Brave Feather — a small reminder of a brave word, brave thought, or brave feeling they want to carry with them.
This activity can be done with paper feathers, purchased craft feathers, or feathers made from cardstock, felt, or recycled paper.
What Is a Brave Feather?
A Brave Feather is a simple craft that helps children name a strength inside themselves.
Children can write or draw a word on the feather, such as:
Try
Kind
Breathe
Help
Brave
Calm
Ask
Again
Safe
I can
For younger children, a grown-up can help write the word. Children may also draw a picture instead — a heart, a sun, a pawprint, a smiling face, a tree, a star, or anything that feels brave to them.
The feather does not have to be perfect.
It only has to mean something.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Paper feathers or purchased craft feathers
- Markers, crayons, or pencil crayons
- Stickers, gems, washi tape, or small decorations
- Glue, if decorating
- String, ribbon, or yarn, optional
- A hole punch, optional
You can also use a feather template and invite children to cut out their own feather shape.
How to Make a Brave Feather
1. Choose Your Feather
Let the child choose a feather that feels right to them.
It might be soft.
It might be bright.
It might be plain and ready for colour.
You can say:
“Pick a feather that feels like it could carry a brave little word.”
2. Choose a Brave Word
Ask the child:
“What is one word you might need when something feels hard?”
Some children will know right away.
Some will need choices.
Some may prefer to draw instead.
That is okay.
Bravery does not always arrive quickly.
3. Write or Draw on the Feather
Help the child write their brave word on the feather.
They can also draw something that reminds them of feeling brave.
For example:
- A heart for kindness
- A cloud for calming down
- A pawprint for taking one step
- A star for trying again
- A tiny hand for asking for help
4. Decorate the Feather
Children can colour, add dots, lines, stickers, sparkles, or patterns.
This is not about making the “best” feather.
It is about making a feather that feels like theirs.
5. Give the Feather a Job
When the feather is finished, invite the child to decide what the feather is for.
They might:
- Keep it in a backpack
- Place it on a bedside table
- Tape it near a mirror
- Add it to a calm-down basket
- Use it during storytime or quiet time
You can say:
“When you see your Brave Feather, let it remind you of the brave word you chose.”
Nanny Wind’s Gentle Prompt Suggestion
After the craft, try asking:
“What does your brave word help you remember?”
Or:
“When might your Brave Feather help you?”
There is no wrong answer.
A child might say, “When I miss someone.”
Or, “When I have to try something new.”
Or, “When I feel mad.”
Or, “When I don’t know what to say.”
That little answer is the treasure.
Explore Nanny Wind’s Story Toolbox
The Nanny Wind collection is a gentle series of interactive story adventures for children with big feelings, brave ideas, and kind little hearts. Each book invites children to read, imagine, draw, write, and discover simple coping tools through whimsical characters and not-quite-finished tales.
From worries and anger to asking for help, telling the truth, building confidence, and trying again, Nanny Wind’s stories help children explore emotions in a soft, creative, child-friendly way.
.
