Emotions & Feelings

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Introducing children to the different emotions and feelings is incredibly important to their development and well-being. When children learn to recognize the different emotions, it gives them the tools to navigate social interactions and gets their needs met. Through the use of pictures, songs, social stories, dramatic play, and books, we can teach children about feelings. As children start to recognize and express their emotions clearly, it helps them communicate their needs as well as helps us as caregivers understand what they may need. The understanding of emotions can lead to improved social relationships, increased empathy, improved problem-solving skills, communication and socio-emotional development. At Little Superstars Daycare, we also use zones of regulation to help children learn, communicate and get their emotional needs met. Here are some of our favorite books to help our little stars learn about their feelings and emotions.

• A Little SPOT: My First Emotions by Diane Alber

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek

• The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

• The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas 

• Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi