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Once a child can identify their feelings we want them to understand and talk about why they feel that way. This fun and simple social-emotional activity will help inspire children to share what is causing the emotion.

Materials Students Need to Explore Their Feelings From the Outside In:

• Construction Paper or Card Stock
• Glue Sticks (optional)
• Computer/Printer
• Tape
• Markers
• Scissors
• Photos or Images (optional)
• Why Am I Feeling This Way? Printable Characters

We like to use visuals to help children learn new concepts. Have the child choose the Feelings Character that represents a feeling they want to draw or write about. Talk about the expression. What lets you know the feeling it shows? The mouth? Eyes? Then ask them to think about times when they felt that way.

You can present this activity in three ways: the child can draw pictures that express what causes a certain feelings, they can write words, or they can cut out pictures to make a collage.

1. Print out the Feelings Character that you want. Print as many of the blank ovals on the last page as needed.
2. Cut out the character and oval.
3. Tape them together at the top to make a “book”.
4. Have the students draw, write or make a collage that shows what causes that feeling.
5. Have the children share what they drew, wrote or glued to match that feelings.
6. Talk about the situations or people that cause them to feel certain emotions.

If you want to take this activity to the next level you can talk about strategies that help soothe feelings like being worried, angry or scared. You can add another blank oval sheet with coping strategies that can help.

Teach children to Stick Up for Their Feelings while they develop whole body listening and perspective taking.

Do you have an angry child? Have them Put Their Feelings on Ice as they get their anger out and learn emotional regulation.

Looking for an active way to learn about facial expressions and body language? Go on an Emotions Scavenger Hunt!

Have a time learning all about feelings!