Methods of Teaching

Feeling Journals:
I found that these are great way to help children learn vocabulary to associate with what they are feeling.

Many teachers really don't think to teach these basic things because it is often assumed that students already know. A lot of times it doesn't occur to teach your children these things either.

First we have a class discussion on what feelings are and what they can look like.
-For example-happy face, sad face, angry face, etc...
-Then each and everyday set aside 5-10 minutes to help children fill out the journal.
-In the blank spot next to today I feel-that is where they draw a face.
-Then write what they are feeling and most importantly why.
-Then the space above is used to illustrate that feeling.

At first usually journals are pretty vague, but as the year goes on they become much more detailed. I saved each and everyone in a binder for parents to see when they wanted to. Most loved it!

Feeling Mirrors:

Had several small hand mirrors donated, when a child would start to act out of control with anger or aggression or what have you-hand them a mirror and ask them to look at their face. Ask them to describe what they are feeling and what their face looks like.

Both these activities appeal to visual, hands on, and reading learners. I found that by giving children vocabulary and facial expressions and what they mean, they got less frustrated during heated' communication and every day communication.