Help kids identify feelings by noticing physical clues like tantrums, frowns, and clenched fists.
Ask open-ended, exploratory questions. Try to veer away from questions with yes/no answers.
Encourage kids to recognize and express their feelings. Normalize emotions and model healthy coping strategies.
Children need access to the outdoors to experience the quiet, beauty, and wonder of nature. Feelings need room to spread out.
Amidst noisy feelings, a pause helps. 'Taking five' - a tool I used in class - benefits students, returning them calm and ready.
Books aid kids' emotional expression by providing higher language. It matches their comprehension, not their expression level.
Encourage kids to move with feelings. Dance, walk, write, create. Take a break, move away from stress.
Feelings are visitors. Take care of them while they're here. Learn from them. They'll show themselves out when they're ready
Encouraging kids to recognize and care for their emotions helps them learn compassion for others.
Exploring emotions helps children become healthier adults. Let's guide them to carry their emotions in healthy ways.