Exploring Emotions

What you need:

• Kaleidoscope of Emotions worksheet
• Empty chips can
• Aluminum foil
• Hammer and nail
• Glue
• Glitter, sequins, and tissue paper

What you do:

1. Explain to your child that today they will explore different emotions.
2. Tell them that they will play a game called "Guess That Emotion!"
3. Explain that you are both going to act out a few common emotions and then guess what emotions you are acting out.
4. Take a piece of paper and fold it twice so there are four squares. In each square write one of the following emotions: mad, sad, scared, glad. Now cut each square out, fold each one, and place it in a hat or container. Decide who will draw the first emotion.
5. After each emotion is acted out, pause for 30 seconds and ask, "What emotion am I feeling?" Then give 30 seconds to guess the emotion.
6. Explain that it is always okay to be feeling whatever emotion we may be feeling and that emotions can change all the time. Emphasize that it's important to remember that emotions are something we all feel but we are not our emotions.
7. Explain to your child that it is helpful to talk about how you feel with others.
8. Tell them that they will be making a kaleidoscope of colors to remind them that emotions are okay and are always changing.
9. Review the Kaleidoscope of Emotions worksheet with your child and complete it together!