There is no denying that 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone across the globe. With this uncertainty come big emotions and feelings from the children in our lives - both at home and in the classroom. It's totally understandable given the unpredictability surrounding our current situation. 

The  'How Are You Feeling Today?' poster may assist children to understand and manage their changing feelings and emotions, and to talk confidently about how they are feeling.

Download a copy - it's free! Stick it on the fridge at home or somewhere easily accessible. It will serve as a great tool to prompt conversations and help kids discuss and unpack their emotions, particularly for children who may be non-verbal or are feeling shy. 

Suggested strategies from the 'Talking About Feelings' children's book that you can use at home or in the classroom.

What could you do if you feel angry?

Have the child focus on taking a deep breath followed by a slow-release. Using a bubble blower is an ideal way to practice this. 

Have the child think of their favourite food that is eaten hot, and imagine they can smell it. Ask them to take a deep breath in and then slowly blow out as if they were cooling the food. 

What could you do if you feel sad?

Ask the child to wrap their arms around their body and give themself a big hug. Then they could tell you how 'sad' makes them feel.

Suggest the child reads their favourite book or watches their favourite TV show snuggled up with their special toy or blanket. 

What could you do if you feel worried or scared?

Talk with the child about the situation of why they are anxious, e.g. going to class or swimming lessons. Go over where it will be, how they will get there, what will happen once they arrive. They could even role-play the bus ride and what they will do once they are at the venue.

View the children's book 'How Big Are Your Worries Little Bear?' for more ideas on how to help children with anxiety. Click here for more information. 

What could you do if you feel lonely?
Suggest to the child that they talk to someone that makes them feel safe about how they are feeling. 

If the child is lonely at school, suggest they take some paper and pencils with them and draw or write stories in a safe space at school. The teacher could encourage others to join in.  

From the Educate2Empower Publishing Team