Use Emotion Cards to Talk About Feelings During Storytime or Daily Routines
Emotion cards are a powerful visual tool to help children identify, name, and understand their feelings. During story time, pause to ask questions like, “How do you think the character feels?” or “Can you find a card that matches that feeling?” This builds emotional vocabulary and empathy. In daily routines—like getting dressed, transitioning between activities, or mealtimes—emotion cards can prompt gentle check-ins: “Which card shows how you feel about going to school today?” Over time, children learn that all feelings are valid and manageable, and that talking about emotions is a safe and supported part of their day.
Practice Problem-Solving Scripts (“What happened? What could we try?”)
Problem-solving scripts offer children a scaffold for navigating tricky social moments. Whether it’s a toy dispute, a turn-taking challenge, or a misunderstanding with a peer, guiding them through simple, consistent language helps build emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills.
Try phrases like:
“What happened?” (to encourage reflection)
“How did that make you feel?” (to validate emotions)
“What could we try next?” (to promote solution-focused thinking)
These scripts can be role-played during playtime or revisited after real-life moments, helping children internalise calm, constructive ways to respond
Play Turn-Taking Games to Support Patience and Perspective-Taking
Games that involve turn-taking—like board games, card games, or simple back-and-forth activities—are more than just fun. They teach children to wait, watch, and consider others’ actions and feelings. Use language like “Your turn is coming soon” or “Let’s see what your friend chooses” to reinforce patience and perspective-taking. Cooperative games, where children work toward a shared goal, also foster teamwork and empathy. Celebrate moments when children show kindness, flexibility, or thoughtful choices—these are the building blocks of strong social relationships.