Standard Covered: SE.1.A.1 - Identify basic feelings (e.g., happy, sad, mad, scared).
This activity helps Millie learn to recognize and name common emotions. Building this emotional vocabulary is a critical first step in developing social-emotional intelligence.
How to Help:
- Talk About the Faces: When a face appears, ask, "What do you see on this face? Are the eyebrows up or down? Is the mouth smiling or frowning?"
- Connect to Experiences: Relate the feelings to Millie's own life. For example, "Remember when you felt happy at the park yesterday?" or "He looks sad. Do you ever feel sad when you can't find your favorite toy?"
- It's Okay to Be Wrong: If she chooses the wrong answer, gently correct her. Say something like, "That's a good guess! That face is actually a 'mad' face. See how his eyebrows are pushed together? When do you feel mad?"
- Expand the Vocabulary: Use other feeling words! Instead of just "mad," you could say "angry" or "frustrated." Instead of "sad," you could say "disappointed" or "upset."