Helping little ones understand their own feelings and the emotions of others takes time and consistency. Effort spent in this area helps children learn tactics to control their own behaviours which is a great help to their social development. I have listed here over 10 activities and 10 You Tube songs you might like to use with your kiddos. If you’d like to recommend others to add to the list please put the link in the comments.
10 + activities for exploring emotions
Make a mood bear from Skizzenblog
Make a stress ball from Gift of Curiosity
Make paper plate face masks from The Pinterested Parent or Balloon Faces from Early Learning
Make plastic egg faces from Laughing Kids Learn
Make a mood meter sign from Education.com
Make a face book from Ikat Bag or a board book from Love, Play and Learn
Make a craft and sing a song from Let’s Play Music
Make some card games from No Time for Flash Cards and B-Inspired Mama
Make a fun animal feelings dice game from Sweeter than Sweet
Sing a song and engage in discussions about feelings from Liz’s Early Learning Spot
Print off some free emotional robot flash cards from Mr Printables
If you would like to see a review of the Color Feelings books series pop over to Barbara’s blog: Grade ONEderful.
23 Free Calming Strategy Cards for kids to use when learning to manage their anger from Liz’s Early Learning Spot.
10 You Tube Songs
The following video uses American Sign Language.
The following video is set up like talking flashcards which makes it good for English learners.
The following video is easy for kids to sing along with.
The following video is great for kids to sing and act along with.
I hope you are able to use some of these excellent activities and songs with your own little ones and wish you happy teaching and learning.
Thanks for the great resource! I just shared it on my blog.
Thanks Barbara! I have provided a link back to your post for my readers in case they’re interested in using the Color Feelings books and would like to read your review.
Thank you for sharing these resources! I will definitely be looking in to them. I am also planning to get an emotions set from this Kickstarter project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/482898835/childrens-wallet-cards-spring-and-summer-2015 I have one of the other sets and it really is pretty much indestructible, so great for flashcards that kids learning to manage anger are, um, likely to rip up.
Thanks for your comments, Christy. Those cards are beautifully designed and… yes… look indestructible. Always a plus!
This is such helpful ideas and materials. With my school being 1/2 special programs and with lots of autistic children, we are always looking for social/emotional teaching strategies. Thank you for offering this.
I’m glad it’s helpful! Have you listened to this recent interview with educators and parents of autistic children? It’s got some great stories and suggestions. https://www.lizs-early-learning-spot.com/loving-and-teaching-children-with-autism-part-1-11/