Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
How do different feelings look and feel?
Activity 02
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.
How can I express my feelings safely?
Activity 03
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.
What can I do when I feel sad or angry?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Some feelings, like anger, are 'bad' feelings.
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.
People can tell how I feel without me saying anything.
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.
Methods used in this brief