Why Emotions Matter
Emotions can be big and overwhelming for young children, and when they don’t know how to express or regulate them, it can lead to frustration, outbursts, or withdrawal. For teachers, it’s essential to create a classroom environment where emotions are understood, accepted, and managed in healthy ways. That’s where Max and Me Feeling Cards come in!
These cards are designed to help children:
Identify different emotions.
Understand that feelings are a normal part of life.
Learn healthy ways to express and manage emotions.
This work lays the groundwork for emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-regulation—key skills that help children manage their emotions, navigate social situations, and handle challenges like bullying. Through play, we create a safe space where children can learn and practice these essential life skills, building a foundation for healthier relationships and more positive interactions as they grow.
Start the Day with an Emotional Check-In
Use Our Ways to Greet:
When children enter the classroom, set the tone by letting them decide how to greet you. This empowers them with the message:
This is where YOU decide how the rest of your day will be. Whatever happened before, you now have the choice.
Offer them different greeting options, such as:
· A hug 🤗
· A fist pump 👊
· A high five ✋
· A wave 👋
· A big smile 😄
· Or even a jump in the air! 🦘
This simple activity not only boosts their confidence but also teaches them that they have control over their choices and actions. It’s a powerful way to start the day feeling positive, empowered, and ready to learn!
Create a "Paws & Peace Corner"
Dedicate a cozy space in the classroom where children can retreat to process their emotions, whether they’re feeling sad, excited, or overwhelmed.
What to include:
· Soft cushions and blankets for comfort 🛋️
· Feeling Cards to help them identify and name their emotions 🎭
· A “calm down” box with sensory tools like stress balls, fidget toys, or our Max colouring sheets 🎨
· For older children, provide a Feelings Journal where they can draw or write about their emotions 📝
How it works:
Encourage children to use the space to pause, reflect, and breathe. Once they feel ready, they can return to their activities. Try to limit the time to about 5 minutes to ensure it remains a peaceful, brief reset rather than an extended break.
Important: This is NOT a punishment corner. It’s a safe, welcoming space where all emotions are valid. If a child is feeling joyful, encourage them to draw or write about their happiness. The goal is to teach children that emotions—big or small—are a normal part of life, and they can learn healthy ways to manage them.
Use Storytime to Explore Emotions
Pair the Feeling Cards with stories about emotions. After reading a book, discuss the characters' feelings and how they handled them.
Ask: “How do you think Max would feel in this situation?”
Encourage students to think of alternative ways to handle similar feelings.
Role-Play Scenarios
Help children practice responding to different emotions by role-playing common situations.
Example:
Scenario: “What if someone took your toy and you felt angry?”
Response: Encourage the child to pick a Feeling Card and express their emotions using phrases like, “I feel angry because...”
Promote Empathy and Inclusion
Use the Max Soft Toy to help children practice empathy and inclusion. Create simple scenarios where Max experiences different challenges and guide the children to respond with kindness and understanding.
Here are some scenarios you can use:
Max was bullied
Max didn’t have something to eat, so he took my sandwich without asking
Max wet himself during nap time
Max smells funny after playing outside with Mr. P
Max is feeling sad and doesn’t want to play
Activity: Gather the children in a circle and let them take turns talking to Max. Ask them:
“What would you say to Max in this situation?”
“How can we make Max feel included and safe?”
“What’s one kind thing we can do for Max today?”
This hands-on activity helps children practice empathy, understand different perspectives, and learn how to support others who may feel left out or hurt. It also reinforces the idea that everyone deserves kindness, no matter their differences.
By helping children feel their feelings and teaching them how to respond in healthy ways, we’re giving them skills they’ll carry for life.
Remember: Emotions aren’t something to avoid—they’re something to explore, understand, and manage. With Max and Me, teachers and caregivers can guide children through this important journey, one feeling at a time.
Commentaires