Let’s get started
Today we will explore naming our feelings through play. Grown-ups can model it first; children can respond by pointing, moving, speaking, or drawing. There is no speed test.
Learn together
- Watch together: Use a mirror to show happy, sad, and surprised faces.
- Try it as a team: Listen to the other person. Pause, repeat and let the child lead.
- Try once more in a new way: Say how it made someone feel. Celebrate the attempt, not perfect results.
Watch and try an example
Use a mirror to show happy, sad, and surprised faces.
Show what you noticed
- Show or tell a grown-up what you noticed while we explored naming our feelings. An adult may enter the child's words.
- Try it again: Use a mirror to show happy, sad, and surprised faces. Tell your grown-up which part was fun or surprising.
- Draw, point, move, or talk to show what you learned about naming our feelings. Adults can record an observation instead of requiring writing.
Five optional ways to revisit this week
Choose a few minutes on any days that suit your child; these are ideas, not mandatory daily assignments.
- Day 1 · Discover: Use a mirror to show happy, sad, and surprised faces. What did the child notice about naming our feelings? A parent may record their spoken answer.
- Day 2 · Repeat: Repeat naming our feelings together slowly. Encourage the child to choose the materials or lead the play. Describe how the child participated in naming our feelings today.
- Day 3 · Change it: Explore naming our feelings again in a different place or with another set of safe materials. What changed when you tried the activity differently?
- Day 4 · Pretend: Invite the child to explain or act out naming our feelings for a toy animal or family member. Which part could the child explain, show, or imitate?
- Day 5 · Celebrate: Let the child choose one favorite part of naming our feelings to repeat, draw or talk about. What is one skill, observation, or question to remember next time?
Family play extension
Family play extension: Use a mirror to show happy, sad, and surprised faces. Take a picture or save a drawing if your family wishes. This week's theme is favorite things.
Reflect and grow
What did you enjoy or notice about naming our feelings? Let your grown-up write down your answer if you prefer to speak.