Using Words to Share Our Feelings and Needs

When to use this story

This social story is designed for preschool-aged children (3-5 years) who are beginning to navigate their feelings and express their needs. It is particularly useful in settings such as home, preschool, or therapy sessions where emotional awareness and communication skills are being developed. Use this story during moments when your child might be feeling overwhelmed or when they need a gentle reminder of how to articulate their feelings and needs. It can also be a great resource when introducing new concepts of sharing feelings within peer interactions or classroom settings.

What's inside

"Using Words to Share Our Feelings and Needs" provides relatable scenarios that young children encounter in their daily lives. The story begins with simple yet powerful statements, such as:

• "Sometimes, I feel hungry."
• "When I feel thirsty, I say, 'I'm thirsty.'"
• "Sometimes, I feel tired."

Through these examples, the story guides children in recognizing their feelings and encourages them to express their needs appropriately. The narrative is complemented by engaging activities that promote vocabulary building, spelling, comprehension, and creative expression. Activities such as role-playing and open-ended questions invite children to practice using words to share their experiences, fostering a supportive environment for emotional expression.

What kids learn

Children will learn how to:

• Identify and articulate their feelings and needs in relatable situations.
• Use appropriate language to communicate with adults and peers.
• Recognize that it is okay to express their emotions, whether they are feelings of hunger, thirst, tiredness, or the need for comfort.
• Appreciate the responses from caregivers, teachers, and friends, such as receiving a hug or a thank you, which reinforces positive interactions.

Research context

The use of social stories in educational settings is well-established, particularly through the pioneering work of Carol Gray. Social stories are a valuable tool for enhancing communication and emotional awareness, allowing children to engage with narrative-based learning. The tradition of using stories to support social-emotional learning (SEL) emphasizes the importance of understanding feelings and developing skills for interaction with others. By integrating narrative techniques into these lessons, children can better relate to their experiences and develop a deeper understanding of social situations.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together with your child, discussing each situation and how they might feel.
• Encourage role-playing based on the scenarios in the story to practice expressing feelings and needs.
• Use everyday moments to reinforce the language learned in the story, such as asking your child how they feel about a meal or activity.
• Create an open dialogue where your child feels safe to express their feelings, reinforcing that all emotions are valid.
• Incorporate vocabulary words from the story into daily conversations to enhance language skills.
• Praise your child when they successfully express their feelings, helping them build confidence in their communication abilities.