Active learning ideas
Developing emotional literacy is a vital part of the SPHE curriculum, helping children navigate their first year of primary school. This topic focuses on identifying basic emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. By learning to name these feelings, Junior Infants begin to understand their own reactions and develop empathy for their peers.
Activity 01
The teacher names a feeling, and children freeze in a pose that shows that emotion. They then look around to see how their friends might show the same feeling differently.
How do I feel today?
Activity 02
Children think of a time they felt very happy. They share this moment with a partner, and the pair draws a quick picture of a 'happy trigger' to share with the class.
What makes me feel happy or sad?
Activity 03
Small groups sort picture cards of different scenarios (e.g., a broken toy, a birthday cake) into 'feeling jars.' They discuss why a scenario might make one person sad but another person excited.
How can I show my feelings safely to others?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Children may believe that 'bad' feelings like anger or sadness should be hidden.
Teach that all feelings are okay, but some actions (like hitting) are not. Role-playing safe ways to show anger, like taking deep breaths, helps students separate the feeling from the behavior.
Students might think everyone feels the same way about the same thing.
Use peer discussion to show that while one child loves dogs, another might feel scared. This surfaces the idea that feelings are personal and subjective.
Methods used in this brief
Who Am I?
Children explore their own physical features, names, and what makes them unique. They learn to appreciate their own individuality and build self-confidence.
8 methodologies
My Body
Children identify and name different parts of the body. They develop an understanding of how their bodies move, grow, and change over time.
8 methodologies