Activity
Feelings Faces
Children name emotions on face cards and connect them to real moments.
Ages 24–48 months
Supports this milestone
- expresses a broad range of emotions and recognizes these emotions in self and others. — Head Start ELOF
- recognizes and interprets emotions of others with the support of familiar adults. — Head Start ELOF
Materials
- Cards or photos showing happy, sad, mad, and scared faces
- A mirror (optional)
Steps
- Hold up a face and ask "How does this person feel?"
- Name the feeling together and make the face in the mirror.
- Ask "When do you feel happy?" and listen to the child's example.
- Connect a feeling card to a moment from the day.
Variations
- Pause a story and find the card that matches a character's feeling.
Differentiation
- For beginners, start with just happy and sad.
- For older children, add feelings like excited, surprised, or frustrated.
Accessibility
- Use consistent photos or signs paired with feeling words.
Practices these skills
Evidence
- CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Developmental Milestones — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2022 · U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas