Preschool is a time when children are developing their social-emotional skills, including learning how to name and manage their emotions. However, many preschoolers struggle with handling big emotions and identifying what they are feeling. Preschool Emotion Sometimes I feel like a mouse is a way kids can learn about their emotions actively.
As a teacher or parent, how can you help young children navigate their emotions? I first used this method of teaching with my own children, then later as a preschool teacher.
One tool that has been effective to teach kids how to name their emotions, is the use of emotion cards. Emotion cards allow children to visually identify and label their feelings. In this post, I discuss how I used the Preschool Emotion Sometimes I feel like a mouse book and animal cards to help preschoolers name and express their emotions.
Preschool Emotion Sometimes I feel like a mouse Interactive Circle Time Game:
“Sometimes I feel like a mouse” by Bonnie Grubman is a delightful book that features different animals expressing various emotions. The book is perfect for preschoolers because it is simple to understand and visually engaging. As a teacher or parent, you can read this book during circle time. Preschool Emotion Sometimes I feel like a mouse free printable cards provide an interactive learning experience.
The Preschool Emotion Sometimes I feel like a Mouse game involves passing out a card randomly to each child. The cards features the same animals that represent an emotion from the book. For example, a card with a picture of a squirrel represent the emotion of excitement using a squirrel image as shown in the book.
When reading the book, instructors will ask the children to hold up their card when they hear the animal or emotion mentioned. This way, the children will learn to have a tangible reference to associate with each feeling, making it easier for them to participate, share their thoughts and name their emotions.
Naming emotions as animals is a helpful technique to objectify and identify emotions for preschoolers, including those with autism. This method proved to be effective in teaching emotions to children with varying strengths. Children learn emotions by visual and auditory cues. Since visual cues and faces vary from person to person, I prefer to use a neutral image to help children identify their emotions.
Step-by-Step Guide: Preschool Emotion Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse Game
Are you ready to use the Preschool Emotions “Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse” Feelings Game as an interactive way to teach preschoolers about emotions? These free printable animal emotion cards are a fun and effective tool for helping children identify and express their feelings.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use these cards during reading time:
- Print and cut out the emotion cards ahead of time.
- Before reading the book aloud, pass out a card to each student. There are two sets of cards: one with words and one without.
- The teacher can pass out either set of cards, or both, depending on the number of students. If there are extra cards, the teacher can hold them up as she reads.
- Read the book through the first time without the cards.
- Upon the second reading, pass out the cards and instruct the children to hold their card up when their animal is read.
- As each animal is read, ask the students what emotion that animal and child is feeling.
- After reading the book enough times so that the children are familiar with the emotions of the animal cards, use the cards as discussion prompts during other activities.
Using Emotion Cards as Reference Points in Daily Activities:
The animal cards don't have to be limited to just reading time. Throughout the day, you can use them as prompts for conversations and observations. Instead of telling the children how they should feel, you can ask them questions like, “Do you feel excited like a squirrel today?” or “Do you feel shy like a rabbit right now?” By using the animal cards as a non-judgmental and playful way to talk about emotions, children become more aware and confident in expressing themselves. Identifying an emotion as an animal, helps children objectify and name their emotion in an easy way. This method of teaching emotions worked for preschoolers with different strengths, including preschoolers with autism.
Creating Your Own Emotion Cards:
If you're a homeschooling parent or caregiver, you can easily create your own emotion cards based on your child's interests and experiences. You can use photos, drawings, or stickers to represent different emotions, or even have your child create their own cards. The key is to use the cards in a variety of contexts, not just when there's a problem or a meltdown. The cards can be laminated for durability.
Preschool emotions can be tricky, but they don't have to be scary or overwhelming. By using tools like Preschool Emotion Sometimes I feel like a mouse book and animal cards, you can provide a fun and safe space for children to learn about and express their emotions.
Remember, emotions are natural and important parts of being human, and by acknowledging and respecting them, we can build stronger relationships and a more empathetic world. Emotion cards are a great way to help children navigate big feelings and develop their emotional intelligence.
