Toddlers and Preschoolers are extremely emotional but often don’t really understand their emotions. We try to talk about feelings – happy, sad, angry – as best we can to prevent or recover from tantrums, frustrations and things that make us smile.
This activity encourages this discussion further and involves your child.
First, lay out a long piece of paper larger than the length of your child. (I have the Melissa and Doug paper roll that I use)
Have your child lie down and trace him or her.
Cut out the trace (if your child is old enough they can help cut)
Have your child colour some clothes, add a face etc.
If you don’t have paper large enough, you can skip that part and just print out the emotion faces below and continue talking.
Cut out circles on separate pieces of paper. Draw different emotional faces on them: Angry, sad, happy, surprised etc.
or Print out these handy Emotion Cards: Emotions (Happy/Sad) Emotions (Angry/Surprised)
Talk to your child about situations that may cause an emotion and ask them which one the cut out would feel or put an emotional face on the cut out and ask what emotion that is and why they may feel that way.
Example: “When was a time that you felt very happy?”
“If your sister takes your toys, how does that make you feel?”
“How do you feel Christmas morning?”
Have fun and encourage your child to talk about their emotions.
