Sharing Our Feelings

When to use this story

Sharing Our Feelings is a valuable resource for early primary children aged 5-7 who are beginning to navigate their emotional landscape. You can use this social story in a variety of settings, whether at home, in the classroom, or during therapy sessions. It's especially helpful during transitions, such as starting a new school year or when making new friends, as it provides a gentle framework for discussing feelings in a relatable context. Whenever children seem uncertain about expressing their emotions, this story can serve as a guiding tool.

What's inside

This engaging story introduces young readers to a range of emotions through relatable scenarios. It begins with a joyful moment: "Today, I felt happy when I played with my blocks." The narrative then explores other emotions, such as sadness when a friend doesn't play, anger when a toy breaks, and fear from loud noises. Each emotion is presented in a simple, approachable way, making it easier for children to connect their feelings to everyday experiences. The story encourages children to articulate their emotions, as seen in the moment when a child takes a deep breath and shares with their teacher, "I feel sad." This interaction shows children that expressing their feelings is both valid and important.

What kids learn

Through Sharing Our Feelings, children learn the following:

• The importance of recognizing and naming their emotions.
• That everyone experiences a wide range of feelings, and that it's normal to feel different things at different times.
• How to communicate their feelings in a constructive way.
• Strategies for coping with strong emotions, such as taking a deep breath before expressing themselves.
• The value of supportive relationships, as demonstrated by the responsive teacher who validates the child's feelings.

Research context

The tradition of using social stories to help children understand and communicate their emotions is well-supported by research. Pioneered by Carol Gray, social stories are designed to present social situations in a clear and relatable manner. They promote social-emotional learning (SEL) by utilizing narrative techniques that resonate with young learners. Research indicates that narrative-based approaches can effectively enhance children's emotional intelligence and improve their social interactions. This story aligns with these principles, offering a foundation for kids to express themselves and understand their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together and pause to discuss each emotion as it arises.
• Encourage children to share their own experiences related to the emotions presented in the story.
• Utilize role-play activities from the story to practice expressing feelings in real-life situations.
• Create a feelings chart together to help your child identify and label their emotions throughout the day.
• Use vocabulary and situations from the story in everyday conversations to reinforce learning.
• Be patient and supportive as your child practices sharing their feelings, reminding them that all emotions are valid.