Exploring Emotions
Use emotion cards to help children recognise, name and understand different feelings. Looking at facial expressions together creates a natural opportunity for conversation and helps children develop the language they need to communicate how they feel.
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Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
Learn the Benefits of this activity
What do you do:
Choose an emotion card and name the feeling together.
Look closely at the facial expression.
Copy the expression or try it in a mirror.
Talk about a time you might experience that feeling.
Sort the cards or use them to create simple stories.
What's Needed:
Emotion cards
A mirror (optional)
Clear floor or table space
How to Adapt
For younger children: Start with familiar feelings such as happy, sad, angry and scared.
For older children: Introduce more complex feelings such as worried, embarrassed, bored and satisfied.
Make it more open-ended: Pick an emotion and invent a story about why a character might be feeling that way.
Benefits of the Activity
Supports emotional development
Builds emotional vocabulary
Encourages recognition of facial expressions
Develops communication skills
Supports self-awareness
Encourages empathy
Builds descriptive language
Supports social and emotional learning
