Story Emotions Detective
To develop emotional recognition and empathy through identifying characters' feelings in stories.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Identifies character emotions
- Explains why characters feel certain ways
- Connects character feelings to own experiences
- Shows developing empathy
Materials
- Emotion-rich story books
- Magnifying glass prop
- Feeling cards
- Detective badge
Instructions
SETTING UP THE GAME: 'Today you're emotions detectives! Your job is to spot how the characters are feeling. Put your detective hats on! Ready to look for clues?'
PAUSING TO INVESTIGATE: Stop during stories: 'DETECTIVE ALERT! How is Goldilocks feeling right now? Look at her face. Look at what happened. What clues can you see?'
DISCUSSING REASONS: 'WHY is she scared? Because the bears came home! If you came home and found someone in your bed, how would YOU feel? Same as the bears?'
CONNECTING TO SELF: 'Have you ever felt scared like Goldilocks? What happened? What helped you feel better? Sometimes feeling scared is our body keeping us safe.'