Alphabet Feelings
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a lifelong practice that requires ongoing commitment and continuous exploration. We can help kids exercise this skill through simple activities, reciprocal conversation, active listening, and genuine curiosity about ourselves, others, and the world around us. By integrating SEL into education and daily life, we build the skills needed for academic achievement, improved behaviors, and reduced emotional distress.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, name, and recognize feelings in ourselves and others. It is an essential skill for children (and adults!) to cultivate because it forms the foundation for social and emotional development. By fostering these skills early on, we equip children with the tools they need for lifelong emotional well-being.
Symptoms of Emotional Intelligence:
Improved Behavior: When children learn to identify and label their emotions, they gain the ability to express themselves more clearly and accurately which reduces frustration, misunderstandings, and emotion dysregulation.
Healthy Relationships: Empathy (including self-empathy) enhances the ability to form healthy relationships because children can better understand their own needs and the motivations of others.
Resilience: The ability to recognize and name feelings gives children cues on how to manage their emotions by developing targeted coping strategies to navigate complex circumstances.
Alphabet Feelings
This simple chart provides a framework for adults to help kids to systematically explore different emotions, scenarios, and coping skills.
For early childhood education teachers, pair Alphabet Feelings with academic letter practice.
For parents, incorporate Alphabet Feelings into dinnertime conversation or a bedtime routine.
For clinicians, use Alphabet Feelings to kick-start a session.
Talking Points:
What is this feeling?
What would your body look like if you were feeling this way?
Talk about a time you felt this feeling.
Is this feeling comfortable? (If not, identify relevant coping skills.)
Can you think of any other feelings that start with this letter?
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Therapeutic Activities tab!
There are so many ways to talk about feelings and build emotional intelligence!
Explore our recommended resources:
Foldable Fortune Teller: Check-In
This foldable fortune teller is a fun and engaging way to do a daily check-in with kids. We also encourage kids to use it with each other to build meaningful interpersonal bonds!
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Conversation Starters tab!
I Heard Your Feelings
These visual conversation cards enable kids to practice inferential thinking by drawing from personal experience and empathetic perspectives. Help kids cultivate communication skills, social literacy, and problem solving abilities through conversation!
Explore more resources in our Play Therapy Materials tab!
20 Question Prompts for Classroom Conversation
Use conversation prompts to encourage students to share their perspectives through meaningful discussions. Well-crafted conversation starters contribute to a dynamic classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and collaborating with their teachers and peers.
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Conversation Starters tab!
Feeling Cards
Feeling cards provide a visual and interactive way to explore a spectrum of feelings and coping skills. These cards can be used to facilitate open dialogue and help children articulate and navigate their emotions.
Explore more resources in our Child Therapy Tools tab!
Color-Coded Feelings
Color-coded feeling charts are an effective way to help kids understand, talk about, and manage their emotions. By building a strong emotionally literate foundation, kids gain the ability to articulate their thoughts, improve social skills, develop empathy, and form healthy connections.
This chart is an excellent companion to board games as it facilitates the incorporation of accessible emotional development practice. For example, use this chart while playing Candy Land and talk about the corresponding feeling when you draw a color card!
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Therapeutic Activities tab!
Feeling Charts & Coping Skills
Feeling charts are visual aides that enable kids to navigate complex feelings. This collection comes with added resources to help kids articulate nuanced emotions and identify coping skills.
Explore more resources in our Child Therapy Tools tab!
20 Question Prompts for Dinner Conversation
Gathering around the table for a meal creates a dedicated time for family members to come together, share their experiences, and strengthen bonds. Question prompts are a great way to get the conversation started!
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Conversation Starters tab!
Feelings Bean Bags
While playing ‘hide-n-seek’ or ‘catch’ with these bean bags, talk about the emotions depicted on each one.
Explore more resources in our Child Therapy Tools tab!
The Emotional Backpack
This prompt encourages kids to think and write about preoccupying parts of their consciousness. By visualizing “carrying” challenging memories, thoughts, or feelings, they can also begin to “unpack” what is not productive.
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Writing Prompts tab!
Hand Puppet
Puppet characters offer a non-threatening and engaging medium for children to express themselves. Use hand puppets to navigate sensitive topics, encourage empathy, and gain valuable insights into a child's inner world.
Explore more resources in our Play Therapy Materials tab!
Feeling Chart
This visual aid allows kids to identify, express, and understand their feelings in a tangible way. By regularly using feeling charts, kids develop emotional intelligence and gain insight into their moods and actions. Feeling charts create a visual language around emotions which allows therapists, parents, and educators to provide targeted support to kids in need.
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Therapeutic Activities tab!
Markers for Artistic Expression
Markers are an accessible, familiar tool that most kids feel comfortable using. Allow kids to emotionally express themselves and take a genuine interest in their creations.
Explore more resources in our Art Therapy Materials tab!
Make the Face
Read a scenario prompt and ask the child to illustrate how the people in the scenario might be feeling. In this exercise, drawing faces allows kids to practice empathy and gain insight through perspective-taking.
Some example prompts: How do you feel when you lose a game? How does your friend feel when they win a game? How do you want your friend to act when they win? How does your friend want you to act when you lose?
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Therapeutic Activities tab!
Emotion Cubes
Emotion Cubes are interactive prompts that encourage expression and discussion.
Explore more resources in our Child Therapy Tools tab!
Talk About It!
There are no wrong answers when using pictures to prompt discussion with kids! These visual scenarios help kids build empathy and healthy communication skills.
Find a free printable PDF version of this resource and others in our Conversation Starters tab!
Children’s Books that Explore Feelings
Books are a powerful medium for kids to explore feelings and process complex emotions. Our Feelings Collection is curated to help kids identify and label their feelings, develop emotional articulation, and find a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
Explore our full selection of recommended children’s books in our Book Lists tab!
