2.1. Give an example of an activity that will support a child to express their feelings

This guide will help you answer 2.1. Give an example of an activity that will support a child to express their feelings.

Helping young children express their emotions is an important part of their development. It enables them to understand their own feelings, respond to the feelings of others, and learn effective communication. For many children, expressing emotions isn’t intuitive. They require support, practice, and positive reinforcement to do so comfortably. An early years practitioner plays a key role in facilitating this emotional literacy.

What is Emotional Expression?

Emotional expression means showing feelings through words, facial expressions, or actions. For children, this can be a complex process. They might feel sad, happy, angry, or scared without knowing the words to describe these emotions. An activity that supports children in expressing their feelings should provide them with the tools and language to identify and communicate what they feel.

Using Storytelling and Role Play

One effective way to aid children in expressing their feelings is through storytelling and role play. This activity allows children to explore emotions within the safety of a make-believe world. It’s engaging and can be easily tailored to suit different age groups and developmental stages.

Setting up the Activity

1. Select a Story or Theme: Choose a story that includes a variety of emotions. Classic fairy tales or stories about sharing, friendship, or overcoming fears are excellent options. If you’re feeling creative, you can invent a story focusing on specific emotions.
2. Gather Props and Costumes: Collect items to enhance the storytelling experience. These could include costumes, dolls, puppets, or everyday objects that can symbolise parts of the story.
3. Create a Comfortable Environment: Set up a cosy area where the children will feel safe and relaxed. This can be done with cushions, rugs, or bean bags in a well-lit space.

Conducting the Activity

1. Storytelling Session: Begin by narrating the chosen story to the group. Use animated facial expressions and voice modulations to convey different emotions. Encourage participation by asking questions like, “How do you think the character felt during this part of the story?” or “What would you feel if this happened to you?”
2. Discuss the Emotions: After the story, have a discussion with the children about the emotions they noticed. Ask them to name the feelings of the characters. It’s beneficial to have visual aids like emotion cards or a picture chart to help them identify these feelings.
3. Role Play Exercise: Invite the children to act out portions of the story. Assign roles to the children, which they can change after some time to encourage a variety of expressions. As they perform, guide them to express feelings physically or verbally. For example, if a character is sad, you might suggest they show this by lowering their shoulders and frowning. Encourage the children to use their words, such as “I feel sad because…”.

The Importance of Active Participation

Active participation in role play helps children deepen their understanding of emotions. By becoming different characters, they explore empathy and practice portraying emotions appropriately. This transformative process supports emotional and social development. Here’s why this method works:

• Empathy Building: By stepping into another’s shoes, children learn to understand and share the emotions of others.
• Emotional Vocabulary: Repeated practice using words for feelings builds a child’s emotional vocabulary.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Scenarios in stories often involve problems the characters face. By acting these out, children learn problem-solving and decision-making skills in a non-threatening context.

Using Creative Arts

In addition to storytelling and role play, creative art activities can also be instrumental in helping children express their feelings. Artistic expression does not require advanced language skills. Hence, it can be particularly beneficial for young children or those struggling to articulate their emotions.

How to Implement Arts-Based Activities

1. Drawing and Painting: Set out paper, crayons, paints, and other art supplies. Ask the children to draw or paint how they are feeling. Encourage them to use colours that represent different emotions.
2. Music and Dance: Play various types of music and invite the children to dance. Afterwards, discuss how each type of music made them feel. Use upbeat music for happiness, calming music for relaxation, or dramatic music for more intense emotions.
3. Clay and Sculpture: Provide modelling clay or dough and ask the children to shape their feelings. This tactile experience is soothing and allows them to convey emotions without words.

Creating an Emotion-Friendly Environment

Facilitating activities that support emotional expression is more effective in an environment that encourages openness and understanding. Here are some strategies to create such an atmosphere:

• Emotion Words Display: Have a visible chart of emotion words and facial expressions accessible in the setting. Children can refer to it when they’re unsure how to communicate a certain feeling.
• Emotion Check-In: Begin sessions with a short emotion check-in. Use cards, mood boards, or smiley face icons where children can point to or place their names next to the emotion they are currently feeling.
• Reflection Time: After activities, allocate time for children to reflect and share their experiences. Encourage them to talk or draw about what they liked, found difficult, or didn’t understand.

The Role of the Practitioner

An early years practitioner’s role in these activities is multifaceted. The practitioner:

• Models Emotional Language: By talking about their emotions and labelling them in real-time, practitioners set examples for children to follow.
• Offers Validation: Recognising and respecting a child’s feelings helps them feel secure. Use affirming phrases like, “It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. Would you like to talk about it?” to validate their emotions.
• Guides Behaviour: When children express feelings through challenging behaviour, help them find more appropriate ways to communicate, such as using “I feel” statements.

Supporting Atypical Development

Some children might not follow typical developmental milestones in emotional expression. This is common with children on the autism spectrum or those experiencing developmental delays. Tailoring activities to accommodate these differences is essential to inclusivity and equity.

Methods to Support Diverse Needs

• Simplify Language: Use simple, clear instructions. Avoid abstract language that might be confusing.
• Sensory Considerations: Be aware of sensory needs. Some materials might be overwhelming. Offer alternatives where possible.
• Visual Supports: Provide visual cues for actions and choices. This can assist children in understanding and anticipating what’s next in the activity.

Consistent Practice

Developing the skill of emotional expression is a gradual process. Regular, varied activities will benefit most children immensely. Noticeable improvement may not occur overnight, and consistent encouragement is key. This practice will lead to children who are not only able to express their feelings but are also better at interpreting the feelings of others. Such skills contribute significantly to their overall well-being and future social interactions.

Final Thoughts

Through these activities and approaches, children will learn to express their emotions constructively. Providing safe, supportive environments and diverse methods allows children to understand and articulate their feelings, paving the way for healthier emotional development.