Helping kids learn to identify and share their emotions is one of the most important skills we can foster as educators and caregivers. When children can recognize and label what they’re feeling, they become more self-aware and better equipped to manage those emotions in healthy ways. It’s equally important for kids to understand that it’s normal to experience more than one emotion at a time—like feeling nervous and excited on the first day of school. By normalizing emotional expression, we create an environment where children feel safe to communicate their inner world, building stronger relationships and a positive learning atmosphere.
Here are four simple ways to start helping kids identify and share their emotions:
1. Create Opportunities for Emotion Check-Ins
Set aside time for students to reflect on how they’re feeling at different points of the day. This can be as simple as a “thumbs up” for good, “thumbs sideways” for okay, or “thumbs down” for not feeling great. Another option is a quick journal activity where students write or draw about how they’re feeling. These check-ins help kids become more mindful of their emotions and give educators an opportunity to support children who may be struggling.
Why it works: Regular check-ins encourage emotional self-awareness and open the door for students to ask for help when they need it.
Build Self-Awareness with Printable Emotion Activity Sheets
Have some down time between activities or need an extra activity to reinforce a lesson? Download these simple emotion-focused activity sheets designed for grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5.
2. Introduce an “Emotion of the Day”
Introduce an emotion word early in the day. Share a simple definition, give examples, and invite students to share their own experiences with that feeling. For instance, you might say, “Today’s emotion is ‘proud.’ Can anyone share a time when they felt proud of something they did?” This simple routine helps children build a broader emotional vocabulary, making it easier for them to express what they’re feeling.
Why it works: Repetition and exposure to different feelings give kids more language to describe their emotions, fostering emotional awareness and communication.
3. Use Visual Aids to Make Emotions Concrete
For younger children, using visuals like emotion faces or emojis can make identifying emotions easier. Try creating a “Feelings Wall” in your classroom where students can point to how they’re feeling during the day. You can also provide a range of emotions beyond just happy, sad, or mad, such as proud, frustrated, nervous, or excited. The more options they have, the more they’ll understand the range of emotions they can feel.
Why it works: Visual cues help young children who may struggle with verbalizing their emotions. It also makes emotions feel more accessible and less intimidating to share.
Help students learn to identify and label their emotions with Emotion Cards. These also make great visual cues.
4. Model Sharing Your Own Emotions
As educators, modeling emotional expression is key. When you share your feelings, you show students that it’s okay to talk about their emotions. For example, you might say, “I’m feeling a little frustrated today because I didn’t get enough sleep last night, but I’m also excited to spend time with all of you.” This shows children that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions and that talking about them can help.
Why it works: Kids learn by observing the adults around them. By modeling vulnerability and openness, you set the tone for a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their own feelings.
Fostering an environment where kids can share their emotions doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating these simple strategies, you can help children develop the social and emotional skills they need to express themselves confidently, manage their feelings, and build stronger connections with their peers. Whether it’s through visual aids, routine check-ins, or modeling healthy emotional expression, these small changes can make a big difference in a child’s emotional growth.