When students seem to “snap,” shut down, or lose control, it is easy to assume they are being defiant or disrespectful. In reality, many of these reactions come from automatic processes inside the emotional intelligence brain, the system that helps us identify emotions, read social cues, and regulate behavior. At the center of this system […]
Children experience the world in ways that can sometimes feel overwhelming. One helpful way to explain these experiences is through the emotional cup analogy. Imagine that every sensory or emotional event a child encounters adds water to their cup. A scratchy tag on a shirt may only add a little water, while being overtired or […]
Help your students understand anger and cope with big feelings using these angry worksheets and The Angry Song. Anger is a natural and valid emotion, one that everyone experiences from time to time. But for children, especially in school or social settings, learning to manage anger in safe and healthy ways is a crucial part […]
Young learners, especially those with developmental delays or disabilities, often experience more challenges with expressing emotions in safe, healthy ways. Difficulties with executive functioning, communication, or inhibitory control can make it harder for them to recognize emotions, choose appropriate strategies, and advocate for their needs. Without explicit instruction, children may rely on behaviors such as […]
Interoception is often called the “eighth sense.” It helps us notice what’s happening inside our bodies—like when we feel hungry, nervous, tired, or excited. For children, learning to understand these body signals is a key part of building emotional balance and staying focused during everyday tasks. A recent research study looked closely at interoception and […]
Managing emotions is a key skill for students to learn self-regulation and confidence. The Feelings Worksheet PDF is designed to help students explore their emotions, reflect on their responses, and discover strategies for staying calm and strong. This interactive, quiz-style worksheet is both engaging and easy to use, making it an excellent tool for classrooms, […]
Young children with developmental delays or disabilities often struggle with social-emotional skills and managing challenging behaviors, such as aggression, tantrums, and self-injury. Research shows these difficulties, if untreated, can lead to poor long-term outcomes, including lower academic performance, social exclusion, and increased caregiver stress. However, home-based interventions to build social-emotional skills, which involve training caregivers […]
The holiday season can be exciting but also overwhelming for students. Changes in routine like classroom parties and assemblies can disrupt students’ sense of predictability, affecting their ability to regulate emotions. Here are strategies to support emotional regulation during the holidays, along with five practical tips. Helping kids manage emotions during the holiday season makes […]
Helping students recognize and understand their emotions is an essential part of their personal growth and social development. The Identifying Feelings Worksheet – Free Printable supports students in building emotional awareness and emotional intelligence. This simple yet powerful tool is designed to guide students through identifying various emotions, which is important for emotional regulation, mental health, and […]
An Emotion Cootie Catcher (also known as a fortune teller) is a playful and interactive way for kids to explore their emotions. By asking questions about feelings, it encourages meaningful discussions in a lighthearted and engaging format. This classic activity involves folding a piece of paper into a 3D shape with numbered flaps and taking […]