Understanding Our Feelings

When to use this story

This social story is designed to support preschoolers as they navigate the vibrant world of emotions. It can be particularly helpful during moments of change, such as starting school, experiencing new activities, or when your child is encountering their feelings for the first time. By using this story, parents, teachers, and therapists can create a safe space for children to discuss their emotions, fostering a rich understanding of both themselves and their peers.

What's inside

"Understanding Our Feelings" is a printable social story that gently introduces young learners to the various emotions they may encounter. Through relatable scenarios, children will explore feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. The story includes engaging lines like:

• "Sometimes, I feel happy."
• "When I am sad, I cry."
• "I feel angry when things go wrong."
• "Scary things make me feel scared."
• "I can tell someone how I feel."
• "When I say how I feel, I feel better."

This story is not just about identifying emotions; it encourages children to express their feelings openly and to seek support from others. It includes activities that promote vocabulary development, comprehension, spelling, creativity, and role-playing, making it a versatile tool for learning.

What kids learn

Through this story, children will learn to:

• Identify and label their emotions in a supportive environment.
• Understand that it's okay to feel a range of emotions.
• Recognize that expressing feelings can lead to personal relief and connection with others.
• Develop empathy by learning about the emotions of their peers.

Research context

The use of social stories has a well-established history in education and therapeutic settings, rooted in the work of Carol Gray. Social stories support children in understanding social cues and navigating their emotions through narrative-based learning. Research in social-emotional learning (SEL) has also shown that storytelling can be an effective method for enhancing children's emotional awareness and expression, laying the groundwork for positive social interactions.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together, pausing to discuss each emotion as it arises.
• Encourage your child to share their own feelings and relate them to the story.
• Use role-play scenarios to practice expressing different emotions in a fun way.
• Reinforce the importance of asking for help when feeling overwhelmed.
• Create a dedicated space at home or in the classroom where children can express their feelings freely.
• Keep the conversation going by revisiting the story regularly and discussing new feelings as they come up.