SAD MONSTER, GLAD MONSTER
feelings activities for kids
Back again, this time sharing a couple of cute activities for kids based on one of my favourite themes for children – feelings and emotions. Now if by chance you have encountered these images before, a while a go I started another blog that focused purely on early childhood education. But, time was my enemy and something had to give and blog number two it was, for now. So I’m reposting this over as it was still quite popular on the other site.
These activities are wonderful to help children learn to identify and recognise basic emotions in themselves and others, such an important life skill that will help your little one learn to communicate more effectively with others.
Whilst the activities here have been designed specifically to complement the story ‘Glad Monster, Sad Monster’ by Ed Amberley and Anne Miranda, they can be used for any ‘feelings’ or ’emotions’ learning experiences.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This is a cute picture book about monsters who encounter different feelings. It comes with tear out masks that children can play with to role play different emotions and feelings.
The colourful illustrations lend itself to many bright, simple and fun craft activities for children and toddlers.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
Using the template below, have your child or children paint or draw their favourite monster from the story.
Talk about why the monster could be feeling that way
Once child has completed, discuss feelings – what makes you happy, sad etc. What can you do if you are scared, angry, shy etc.
Children can use this printable to draw or paint on after reading the story. Depending on age, children have a go at writing their own response or the parent can scribe what the child has said.
You can download your free version which come with all templates required to make the paper plate craft from my Teachers Pay Teachers Store HERE.
TO EXTEND OR CHANGE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
LISTENING TASK:
Instead of just allowing your child or children to draw, explain this is a listening task and describe what you would like your child to do one step at a time. This activity works well with precept shapes as a craft activity.
- Give your Monster ___ arms.
- Give your monster ____ (number) ____ (coloured) legs.
- Give your monster _____ eyes.
- Give your monster (describe) hair.
Take note of child’s ability to follow instructions. You may choose to help younger children by limiting choice and extend older or more capable children by adding more detailed descriptions.
OTHER IDEAS:
Feelings Activities for kids:
- Make Feelings monsters out of play dough.
- Make paper plate feelings monsters.
- Use mirrors and look at facial expressions.
- Play a miming game – but have children try to guess how you are feeling. Take turns.
- Make squishy stress balls by filling balloons with flour. Double the balloon before filling to increase durability.
as always, thanks for stopping by!
Love ness X
