Emotional Vocabulary Challenge
To expand emotional vocabulary beyond basic emotions to nuanced feeling words.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Uses nuanced emotion vocabulary
- Identifies complex emotions
- Discusses emotions with sophistication
- Applies emotion words accurately
Materials
- Advanced emotion cards
- Emotion word wall
- Scenario cards
- Discussion prompts
Instructions
INTRODUCING NEW WORDS: 'We know happy, sad and angry. But did you know there are HUNDREDS of feeling words? Today's new word is JEALOUS. Jealous means wanting something someone else has.'
USING IN CONTEXT: 'When Mia got the new toy and you wished you had it—that's jealous! It's a normal feeling. Everyone feels jealous sometimes.'
PLAYING EMOTION CHARADES: 'Can you show us EMBARRASSED using your face and body? Everyone guess! Yes—embarrassed is when something awkward happens and your face goes hot!'
BUILDING THE WORD WALL: 'Let's add NERVOUS to our emotion word wall! Nervous is butterflies in your tummy before something new. When have you felt nervous?'