Understanding Our Feelings
Children learn to name, express, and cope with a variety of emotions in a healthy and safe way.
TL;DR:Developing emotional literacy is a core component of the SPHE curriculum for 2nd Class. At this age, children experience a wide range of emotions but may lack the vocabulary or strategies to manage them effectively. This topic teaches students to recognize the physical signs of emotions, such as a racing heart or a 'butterfly' feeling in the stomach, and provides them with a toolkit for expressing these feelings safely and respectfully.
About This Topic
Developing emotional literacy is a core component of the SPHE curriculum for 2nd Class. At this age, children experience a wide range of emotions but may lack the vocabulary or strategies to manage them effectively. This topic teaches students to recognize the physical signs of emotions, such as a racing heart or a 'butterfly' feeling in the stomach, and provides them with a toolkit for expressing these feelings safely and respectfully.
By normalizing all emotions, including anger and sadness, the curriculum helps reduce the stigma around mental health from an early age. Students learn that while all feelings are okay, not all behaviors are acceptable. This topic benefits significantly from role play and simulation, as these methods allow students to practice emotional regulation in a safe, low-stakes environment before they face real-life conflicts.
Key Questions
- How do different feelings look and feel?
- How can I express my feelings safely?
- What can I do when I feel sad or angry?
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionSome feelings, like anger, are 'bad' feelings.
What to Teach Instead
Children often think they shouldn't feel angry. Use role play to show that anger is a natural signal that something feels unfair, and the focus should be on how we handle the anger rather than stopping the feeling itself.
Common MisconceptionPeople can tell how I feel without me saying anything.
What to Teach Instead
Young children often assume their internal state is obvious to others. Structured peer discussions help them realize that they need to use words to explain their feelings to friends and adults.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Role Play
The Emotion Statues
One student acts as a 'sculptor' and gently directs a partner to pose like a specific emotion (e.g., frustrated, surprised). The class guesses the emotion based on body language and facial expressions, followed by a discussion on what might cause that feeling.
Stations Rotation
The Calm Down Toolkit
Set up stations with different regulation strategies: deep breathing exercises, drawing feelings, and 'turtle' stretches. Small groups rotate through each station to try the techniques and decide which ones work best for them personally.
Simulation Game
The 'What If' Circle
The teacher presents a scenario, such as losing a game or being left out. Students use a 'talking object' to share how they would feel and one safe way they could express that feeling to a friend or teacher.