Peek and Find Emotions
To develop emotional recognition through hide-and-reveal games using emotion faces.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Shows interest in emotion faces
- Begins to match expressions
- Pulls cloth to reveal
- Responds to emotion labels
Materials
- Laminated emotion face cards
- Lightweight cloths
- Small baskets
- Board books with faces
Instructions
HIDING FACES: Place emotion face cards under cloths. Lift and reveal: 'Peekaboo! This face is HAPPY! See the big smile?' Make the emotion with your own face too.
MATCHING EXPRESSIONS: After revealing a face, mirror the expression: 'This one is sad—look at my sad face too. Boo hoo!' Babies learn emotions through seeing them performed.
LETTING BABY UNCOVER: Let babies pull the cloths off to reveal faces: 'What will we find? Pull it off! Oh—a SURPRISED face! Are you surprised?' Builds anticipation and agency.
CONNECTING TO REAL FEELINGS: When you see the emotion in real life, reference the cards: 'You look happy—just like the happy face in our game! Big smile!'