[hatch]

deep breaths and phycical grounding

[Lynn]

First off, let them know that they are seen, heard, and cared about. Utilizing a feelings chart and/or doing body checks during the time of frustration are two great ways to help the child to start to identify what emotion they are experiencing and how their body is expressing it (e.g. fisted hands). Having a safe space corner of the classroom is very helpful and effective. In this safe space corner, you can practice self calming techniques such as breathing (blowing out birthday candles) and squeezing squeeze toys.

[Kelly]

Letting them talk, and listen. explain how they are feeling. After, we can try to find a solution.

[Magaly]

There are many strategies and approaches. The ones I typically use and that have been proven effective are: learning about emotions, labeling emotions, playing games about emotions.

Then, we transition to learning how to internalize them and deal with them by providing them with ideas, and building a toolbox with them so that they can utilize these tools with or without teacher guidance.

[Anjelica]

using I feel statements

encouraging the use of art

and being open to communication

[Yaire Brillite Campos – Cigarroa]

By letting them cry and come to a calm state and then asking them why they were crying, or if there is anything that we can do to help. By listening to them talk about how they’re feeling, and then letting them figure out what will make them feel better.

[Pushpavalli Suresh]

Time to talk about child and observe their thoughts.

[Allison Vance]

A good way to help children recognize their emotions is for you to act out an emotion and see if they can identify the emotion. Then have them tell you what parts of your body gave them clues. Then have them act them out and see if they can identify it in others.

[Sofiia]

We as caregivers need to show content regulated bodies and minds in order to have a positive influence on these children, how are they supposed to get a good example of a positive attitude if they don’t see it. You have to let them know that their feelings are valid and that frustration is okay but not all forms of letting it out are.

[J. Rodolfo]

Implement mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or simple meditation exercises, to help children manage intense emotions. Establish consistent routines and clear expectations, providing a sense of stability that can contribute to emotional security. Lastly, offer positive reinforcement when they successfully navigate challenging emotions, reinforcing the development of self-control and emotional awareness.

[Kierra Jenkins]

You can teach children to identify emotions and handle their upset feelings in a number of ways. Some of my favorite and what I have found to be helpful are:

using a feeling chart like an emotional thermometer. When the child is calm, start teaching how emotions often grow in intensity from happy to frustrated to angry. When they are upset, use the feeling chart to identify the emotion. “You seem frustrated –like the picture in our feelings chart.”

Another way to identify emotions is to do a “body check.” When you notice signs of frustration, label it for the child and explain how you know: “Your shoulders are hunched and your fists are clenched, so I can see you’re frustrated right now.” Over time, the child will learn to identify these signs of frustration without your cues.

[Faith]

Talking and reading about emotions during group and individually so they have the vocab to say how they feel in the moment. Also, helping them describe their feelings by asking questions (i.e. are you hurt, are you angry, sad…?). It is also good to have choices for smaller children when they have big feelings. “I see you are angry- do you want to go to the quite area and look at books or do you want a hug?”

[Naomi T]

You can read books on the subject to help them learn more about their emotions and how to use the. Another way would be to pause in the moment and talk through the emotion they are experiencing.

[Sophie]

You can do this by allowing the children to express their emotions and explaining that its normal.

[Alison]

<div>I think it’s important to help children label their feelings. Tell them that it’s ok to feel those feelings, but how we show those feelings needs to be kind to others. You can be mad, but it’s not ok to hit your friend. I can tell you’re sad, do you want to talk about it? What can I do to help you feel better? Talking through feelings can help children through those big feelings.</div>