Helping children talk about feelings
In the course of my work with parents I am often asked how to encourage children to talk about their feelings.
Children don't always have the vocabulary to say how they feel and will use their behaviour instead.
Being able to talk about our emotions is an important skill to develop, and having good healthy emotional intelligence is very
valuable, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult feelings in ourselves, or recognising and responding to them in others.
We all experience a vast range of emotions in our lifetimes, and there is no better time to begin developing those all important
emotional literacy skills than in early childhood.
I find that using books can be a great way to get children to begin talking about feelings in a low key way that's also enjoyable.
That's why I have written these two books of poems, and activities. Use them as a 'way in' to feelings talk with your child.
Suitable for children aged 4-9 years approx.
Children don't always have the vocabulary to say how they feel and will use their behaviour instead.
Being able to talk about our emotions is an important skill to develop, and having good healthy emotional intelligence is very
valuable, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult feelings in ourselves, or recognising and responding to them in others.
We all experience a vast range of emotions in our lifetimes, and there is no better time to begin developing those all important
emotional literacy skills than in early childhood.
I find that using books can be a great way to get children to begin talking about feelings in a low key way that's also enjoyable.
That's why I have written these two books of poems, and activities. Use them as a 'way in' to feelings talk with your child.
Suitable for children aged 4-9 years approx.
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Reviews
'My 7yo book worm absolutely loved the poems and we had some very interesting talks around the topics. We had experienced some little dramas at school and the book helped us develop resilience and get a better understanding of the world of feelings and emotions. A great book for developing emotional intelligence.' 'A great book for primary age children to help conversations about emotional literacy. Beautiful poems that children can really identify with. Highly recommended!' 'A great book to use at home or school. It has already informed and inspired my teaching at school and my children have loved the poems at home. A must buy for any teacher or parent.' |
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'There are a huge range of poems that are accessible for even very young children. My five year old loves the poems and it's prompted some great conversations. He's never been interested in poetry but now loves me to read a poem from this book in the evening at bedtime. It has really helped us to talk about feelings and his responses have really surprised me.'
'Talking about feelings is hard and it’s even harder to help small children articulate their feelings instead of bottling it up. These simple, short but engaging poems enable you to start a conversation with even young children how they might feel. It really is a library of emotions to tap into and with worksheets for tricky issues. Get to know it as it will be a god companion as you negotiate parenthood.' |
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Here's a poem that shows how quickly feelings can change, from one moment to the next. FLYING Don’t get overexcited’ said Mum. ‘Don’t worry, I’m just having fun.’ ‘Stop that, you’re getting too hyper’ said Dad. ‘Don’t worry I won’t do anything bad.’ Arms outstretched a smile on my face, I’m flying my plane, I'm in a race. Zooming round the house, flying up the stairs, Loop the loop in the kitchen jumping off the chairs. Out into the garden. ‘Thank goodness for that’ said Mum. ‘Oh no, I spoke too soon Look out here he comes!’ Round and round the sitting room Faster and faster I go. Uh oh…. I’m feeling dizzy, ‘Look out!’ CRASH!! ‘Oh no!’ Now I’m lying on the floor, my head hurts and I’m crying. ‘What an earth did you think you were doing?’ said Dad. 'I was only flying.’ |
And here's one that can help children to understand what it might it might feel like when we are anxious. SHOPPING CENTRE FEAR The crowds are pushing The noise is deafening Loud sounds hurt my ears, Feet are running, running fast, People rushing, pushing past. I’m hot, I’m sweaty My mouth’s so dry I’m feeling dizzy feeling sick. My heart’s drumming, beating pounding, Thoughts racing much too quick. ‘Hold my hand, it’s alright.’ It’s my Dad, I hold on tight. ‘You’ll be fine you’re not alone.’ I close my eyes and think of home. |