Quick Prep for Your First Session

Just 5-10 minutes of preparation before your students arrive can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth and engaging start to your Hey Feelings session. Use this quick checklist to get ready.

Essential Tech Check

1. Display Connection: Confirm your computer is reliably connected to your large display (Projector, Smartboard, or TV). See the Pro Tip on Display Connections at the end of this article for a quick refresher!
2. Sound Check: Ensure audio is working correctly through your chosen display or external speakers. A quick test with any sound from your computer will do.
3. ‍Internet Stability: Verify you have a stable internet connection. It doesn't have to be fast.
4. Platform Access: Be logged into the Hey Feelings Academy platform as you are now.

Simple Classroom Setup

Group Areas: Arrange two distinct, comfortable areas for your students, positioned side-by-side so everyone can clearly see the main display with the game. This allows for better visibility than having one group behind another.

Your Hub: Make sure your computer or laptop is placed where you can easily access it to control the on-screen game, while still maintaining a good view of both the screen and your students.

Materials Needed for This Session

Standard Die:

You'll need one standard six-sided die for gameplay. Optionally, if you have purchased the large, soft Hey Feelings Plush Die, this is a great tactile option to use!

‍Filly & Dilly Mascots (Optional):

If you have purchased the Filly and Dilly Plush Mascots, have them ready to assign one to each group. These can enhance engagement and make turn-taking more tangible. Important Note: This step is optional. You can absolutely play Hey Feelings Academy effectively without the physical plushies. The on-screen Filly and Dilly pawns will represent the groups in the digital game.‍

Student Emotion Workbooks (Choose Your Option):

• Printable PDF Workbook Pages: If you are using the printable PDF workbook pages (accessed via the Emotion Books tab), focus on core digital play, no specific PDF printout is strictly necessary for the gameplay itself. Diamond collection will be tracked digitally on-screen. You will print specific PDF pages for other, subsequent activities, as detailed in Article 4 ("The Emotion Books").
• ‍Purchased Printed Workbooks: If you have purchased the physical, printed Hey Feelings Emotion Workbooks for your students, you will distribute these at the start of your very first Hey Feelings session of the year. For this gameplay lesson unit children will use their Emotion Books to place any collected Emotion Diamond Stickers (found within their books) onto the designated Spookyland pages. Children apply stickers from their own book when their group collects a diamond in the game.‍‍‍
  

The Opening Story:‍

The "Spookyland - Introductory Story" will be displayed on the screen when you start the Emotion World on the platform.

However, if you prefer reading from a physical paper copy, you can find and print the Spookyland World - Introductory Story PDF. This will typically be located in the teacher resources or workbook section for the Spookyland World on the Hey Feelings platform.

Let's Play! Launching & Starting the Game

After logging into Hey Feelings Academy, click on the Spookyland Emotion World tile. This will launch the game environment for that world in full screen mode. You can exit full screen anytime by clicking the eye icon in the top right corner.

You'll see the Opening Story, the Video Intro, and beautifully animated Spookyland game board - ready for your students' emotional adventure to begin!

Psst! There are Ester Eggs on each world. Cute, tiny animations that are visible only for a second, try to find them all. Look for ghosts, hedgehogs, hamsters, etc.

A Step-by-Step Gameplay Walkthrough

Allow 30-40 minutes for gameplay with your students. Here’s how a typical first game session flows:

Team Time! Organizing Groups & Turns (Approx. 2-3 minutes)

1. Form Teams: Verbally divide your students into two teams. You can call them "Filly's Group" and "Dilly's Group" – these names correspond to the cat and dog character pawns they'll see moving on the game board.
2. Crucial Step: Establish Turn Order: This is key to a smooth game!
   
   1. ‍Within Each Group: Quickly help each group decide the order in which their members will take turns rolling the die. For example, you might say, "In Filly's group, Maya will roll first, then Leo, then Chloe. In Dilly's group, Sam will be first, then Priya, then Ben." A simple "around their circle" or a pre-designated sequence works well.‍
   2. Starting Group: Determine which of the two groups will take the very first turn of the game. Make it fun and fair – perhaps "the group that can quietly show me they're ready first!" or a quick teacher's choice.

Setting the Scene: The Opening (Approx. 5 minutes)

1. Read or Listen to the Story: The game will first present the Opening Story specifically written for the each world. Read this aloud to your students with warmth and expression or play the pre-recorded audio (this option will be available shortly). If you printed it, you can use your copy, otherwise, it's clearly displayed on screen.
2. Watch the Video: Following the story, a short, engaging Mood-Setting Video Clip will play automatically on the screen. This brief animation helps children transition from the story and focus their attention for the game ahead.
3. Hit Play the Game button

The Gameplay Loop: Your First Few Turns Explained

This is the core rhythm of the game, repeat as needed:

1. Active Child Rolls the Die: The designated "active child" from the starting group takes the die and rolls it.
   
2. The Active Child Decides Where to Move‍
   
   1. Based on the number rolled, the active child now looks at the board and decides which direction they want to move their group's on-screen pawn (either Filly or Dilly).‍
   2. Key Reminder for Your Students: Encourage the active child by saying something like, "Look at your number, Maya! Where do you want Filly/Dilly to go? Remember, in Hey Feelings, you can move your character any way you like along the paths! Your goal is to land on, or jump over, an Emotion Diamond!" (The child can briefly consult with their group for ideas, but the final decision rests with the active child).‍
   3. Teacher Action: Following the active child's decision, you will use your computer's mouse or trackpad to move their group's virtual pawn on the main screen according to the number they rolled and the direction they chose. Just drag the pawn, simulate the movement like on a physical board game and drop the pawn by releasing the mouse button.‍
3. Collecting Diamonds & Revealing Question Cards
   
   1. Collect the Diamond: If your group's pawn (Filly or Dilly) successfully lands on or passes directly over an Emotion Diamond during its move, that diamond is considered "collected"!‍
   2. Click to Reveal: Click on the diamond on the screen. This action will cause the Question Card related to that specific Emotion Diamond to immediately appear.
   3. ‍Answer & Update: Once the question from the card is answered by the active child (and/or discussed by the group, if applicable), and the card is closed, the on-screen diamond counter for that group will update automatically, reflecting their successful collection.‍
4. Engaging with the Question Card – Sharing Our Thoughts:‍
   
   1. ‍Read Aloud: Read the question or task from the displayed card clearly and engagingly to the whole class.‍
   2. Child Responds First: The child whose turn it was (the one who rolled the die) gets the first opportunity to answer the question or perform the task.‍
   3. Basic Facilitation (Keep it simple for this first game): Offer warm encouragement: "That's an interesting thought, Tim!" or "Great try!" Praise their effort, no matter the answer. If they are hesitant or seem stuck, gently ask their group for support: "Would anyone in Tim's group like to help with an idea or share what they think?" Remember, the goal today is positive participation and familiarization, not perfect answers. (We'll cover more advanced facilitation techniques to deepen discussions in Article 3).‍‍
5. ‍Passing the Turn – Sharing the Adventure:‍
   
   1. The die (or simply the turn to roll) now passes to the other group.
   2. The next child in that group (according to their pre-established turn order) is now the "active child," ready for their turn.

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Repeat this gameplay loop (Roll → Move → Collect Diamond → Reveal Question → Answer/Discuss → Pass Turn), alternating between Filly's Group and Dilly's Group. Let the children enjoy the journey!

Concluding the Game Session:

1. Aim to play for a duration that keeps your students engaged for their first experience – perhaps 20-30 minutes of active gameplay after the introduction.
2. You don't have to collect all the Diamonds!
3. When you're ready to finish the session, you can click the "Pause" button on the game interface. This will usually then reveal an "Exit" option to click.

Wrapping Up Your First Gameplay

A brief approx. 5 minutes, positive wrap-up helps consolidate the experience:

Quick Group Reflection:

Gather the children for a brief chat. Ask simple, open-ended questions like:

• "What was one fun part of playing the Hey Feelings game today?"
• "Can anyone remember one feeling we talked about in our Emotion World adventure?"

Positive Closure & Looking Forward:

• Praise everyone enthusiastically for their wonderful participation, for listening to each other, and for bravely exploring new feelings and ideas together.
• Let them know you're excited to play Hey Feelings again with them soon and explore more Emotion Worlds

Pro Tip on Display Connections

For the simplest and usually most reliable setup for projecting Hey Feelings, connect your computer directly to your TV or projector using an HDMI cable. This single cable typically carries both sound and video, which reduces complexity. Once you've plugged it in, take a quick moment to check your computer's display settings (you can often find these by right-clicking on your desktop or looking in your System Settings/Control Panel) and ensure it's set to "Duplicate" or "Mirror." This means that what you see on your laptop screen is exactly what the children will see on the big screen. A quick test of this before your students arrive can save a lot of troubleshooting time and help your session start smoothly!

Beyond the Basics: Fine-Tuning Your Game Control

You've got the core game flow down: rolling the die, guiding pawn movement, seeing diamonds collected, and discussing Question Cards. Now, let's explore some platform features that give you even greater control and flexibility:

Quick Recap: Core Gameplay Loop

Just to refresh, the basic cycle is:

1. A child from the "active group" rolls the die.
2. The “active child” decides how to move their pawn (Filly or Dilly), aiming to land on or pass directly over an Emotion Diamond.
3. Click on a diamond to collect it.
4. Question Card automatically appears.
5. "Active child" and/or the group discusses the card, and then the turn passes.

Precision Tool: Manual Diamond Adjustment

Sometimes, a click might be missed, or a diamond might be awarded when it shouldn't have been. Don't worry! The on-screen diamond counters for Filly's Group and Dilly's Group are interactive.

• How to Use: Simply hover your mouse cursor directly over your group's diamond total displayed on the game screen. You'll see small "+" (plus) and "-" (minus) icons appear next to the number.
• Purpose: Clicking these icons allows you, the teacher, to manually add or subtract a diamond from a group's score. This is a handy tool for making quick corrections and ensuring the on-screen score accurately reflects the gameplay.

Key Element: The Hey Feelings Cards

Within each Emotion World, you'll discover a set of fun and engaging cards. These feature a mix of playful activities and thoughtful questions, all designed to effortlessly impart key SEL knowledge. Dive deeper into the complete card collection here.

Before a session where you plan to explore a new Emotion World, take a few minutes and go over all Question Cards. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the range of topics and discussion prompts for that specific world. It can help you anticipate potential conversations and even prepare some of your own insightful follow-up questions to deepen the learning.

The Game Changer: Understanding and Using Booster Cards

One of the most exciting elements of Hey Feelings is the Booster Card feature! These are an automatic surprise that activates whenever a "1" is rolled on the die. If you have Hey Feelings Plush Die, there will be a cat & dog symbol isntead of "1"

Instead of a "1" being a low or disappointing roll, it transforms into a fun "superpower" or positive event for the group! Examples include:

• Double Move: Roll the dice two times
• Triple Up: Roll the dice three times
• Freeze: Freeze the other group for one round
• Swap: Swap the pawns with the other group if you like
• Diamond Magnet: You’re magnetized. Pull in a nearby Diamond!
• Mega Jump: Jump one spot ahead of the other group
• Time Machine: The other group moves back to their previous spot
• Teleport: Move to anywhere except spots with Diamonds

Your Role: When a Booster Card appears on screen, read its text aloud with enthusiasm! Help the group understand its effect and how to apply it during their current turn. This adds a wonderful element of surprise and fun.

The Hidden Helper: Accessing the In-Game Side Menu

There's a useful menu tucked away for quick access to card information To access it, gently hover your mouse cursor over the far-left edge of the main game screen. A side menu will slide out from the left.

Key Features of the Side Menu:

• Manually Select Question Card: This option empowers you, as the teacher, to intentionally choose and display any single Question Card from the current Emotion World. Instead of relying on the game's progression, you can handpick a specific card to guide the discussion, revisit an important point, address an immediate classroom need, or ensure a particular theme is explored.
• View Booster Card Options: This lets you see a list or description of the possible Booster Cards that can appear in the game. This is primarily for your reference, so you understand the range of "superpowers" that might pop up.

Elevating Your Facilitation: Sparking Deeper Emotional Learning

The Question Cards are fantastic starting points, but your facilitation is what truly unlocks deep learning. Here’s how to take your discussions to the next level:

Beyond the Card: Asking Probing & Extending Questions

Don't feel limited by the exact text on the Question Card. Use it as a springboard for richer dialogue:

• "That's what the card asks... but what do you think might happen after that character does that?"
• "Can you think of a time in a book you've read, or a movie you've seen, when a character might have felt this way?"
• "If you could give that character in the story some friendly advice right now, what would it be?"

Fostering Elaboration & Critical Thinking

Encourage children to expand on their initial responses:

• "That's an interesting point! Can you tell me a little more about why you chose that answer?"
• "What makes that feeling feel strong for you, or maybe just a little bit strong?"
• "Are there different kinds of [the emotion being discussed, e.g., 'scared']? Can you describe one?"

Active Listening & Validation – Creating True Emotional Safety

Your responses model emotional intelligence for your students. Reiterate the importance of being non-judgmental: "Thank you for sharing that, Matthew. It's brave to talk about our feelings."

Show empathy in your replies: "It sounds like that was a really frustrating situation for you when that happened," or "I can understand why that would make you feel excited!"

Connecting to Real Life With Care and Respect

Help children see how the emotions and scenarios in the game relate to their own lives, always ensuring a pressure-free environment. Ask questions like "Has anything a bit like that ever happened to you, or perhaps to someone you know?"

Important Note: Always respect a child's choice not to share personal details. Create an atmosphere where sharing is invited but never forced. Prioritize their comfort and emotional safety above all.

Tips for Smooth & Fun Group Sessions

A lively Hey Feelings session means active group play! Here are some tips to keep group play flowing.

🤝 One Group Play – Co-operation Mode

For younger children, you can switch from two competing groups to One Big Team. Instead of splitting into Filly’s group and Dilly’s group, the whole class plays together.

• Kids take turns rolling the dice, then decide together which character (Filly the Cat or Dilly the Dog) should move on the on-screen board.
• The goal here is free exploration of the Emotion Worlds rather than competition between two groups. Both characters collect Emotion Diamonds, but since they represent the same team, everyone celebrates each move.
• This mode encourages collaboration, shared decision-making, and joyful discovery — perfect for younger learners who benefit more from cooperation than rivalry.

👉 Coming soon: age-differentiated Question Cards, so teachers can choose simpler prompts for 4–5-year-olds and more advanced ones for 6–7-year-olds.

👥 Ensuring Equitable Participation & Every Voice is Heard:

Strategic Questioning: After a more vocal child shares, you might gently say, "That's a great point! Mike, I wonder what your thoughts are on this?"

Informal Group Roles: You could subtly encourage different children to be the "lead spokesperson" for their group's answer on different turns, helping everyone get a chance to articulate the group's ideas.

💬 Navigating Disagreements & Fostering Collaboration Within Groups:

Sometimes groups will have different ideas about how to move their pawn or answer a question. This is a learning opportunity! "Okay, it sounds like Filly's group has two interesting ideas here. How can you decide together which one you'd like to try first for your move?" Frame these moments not as conflicts, but as chances to practice communication and problem-solving.

⏱️ Maintaining an Engaging Pace & Flow:

Be mindful of the time spent on each Question Card. If the discussion is rich and productive, allow it to flourish. If it's stalling or going off-topic, gently guide it back or decide it's time to move to the next turn.

Your own energy and enthusiasm are contagious! They play a big part in keeping the session dynamic and enjoyable for everyone.

The Emotion Book: Your Student's Creative & Reflective SEL Journal

The Emotion Book (whether you're using the premium Printed Books or the flexible Printable PDF Pages from the Academy Platform) is much more than just a place to track game progress. Its true power lies in its ability to:

1. Extend and Personalize Learning: Activities within the book allow children to reflect on the emotions explored in the game in a more individual way.
2. Facilitate Personal Reflection: Prompts and activities encourage children to think more deeply about their own feelings and experiences.
3. Offer Creative Outlets: Coloring pages and other extra materials provide a calming way for children to visually process and express their understanding of emotions.
4. Bridge the Home-School Connection: The Little Microphones activity, prepped using the Emotion Book/PDF printouts, directly involves families in a fun and meaningful way.

Quick Recap of Your Two Format Options:

Printable PDF Workbook Pages: You, the educator, download lesson-specific PDF pages from the Hey Feelings Academy Platform for each activity (e.g., you'll download and print the "Spookyland World - Opening Story" for one lesson, and the "Fear World - Little Microphones" for another). With this option, there are no physical stickers, diamond collection is tracked on-screen, and rewards are verbal.

Purchased Printed Workbooks: Each child has their own comprehensive workbook for the year. It includes all activity pages for every Emotion World, plus integrated Emotion Diamond sticker sheets. Children apply stickers from their own book when their group collects a diamond in the game.

Expanding Each Emotion World with Emotion Book Activities

To truly explore the depth of each of the 6 Emotion Worlds, we recommend structuring your approach as a "mini-unit" of approximately 2-3 distinct lesson activities spread over a few weeks. Here’s a typical flow, integrating Emotion Book components:

Lesson 1 - Playing the Game

Introduction & Core Gameplay, typically Week 1 of a New Emotion World Unit. Immerse your students in the theme of the new Emotion World and have an engaging initial game experience.

Activities:

• Read the Opening Story for the current Emotion World (this can be read from the platform, or children can follow along if they have the physical Emotion Books).
• Play the short Mood-Setting Video Clip from the platform.
• Conduct a Main Hey Feelings Game Session (refer to Articles 2 & 3 for detailed gameplay guidance).

Emotion Book Integration:

• Purchased Printed Workbooks: Children should turn to the section for the new Emotion World. As their group collects Emotion Diamonds during the game, each child in that successful group takes a corresponding sticker from their own sticker sheet and places it in their book.
• Printable PDF Workbook Pages: Not needed. Focus is on the digital gameplay and on-screen diamond tracking.

Additional Activities: Coloring Pages and others

Allow children to visually process the emotion, engage in a calming reflective activity, and reinforce the themes of the current Emotion World.

• Distribute the Coloring Pages designed for the current Emotion World. These will be pages in their printed Emotion Book, or specific PDF pages you've downloaded and printed from the platform's resource section for that World.
• Facilitate During Coloring: As they work, circulate and encourage quiet conversation. You might ask: "What do you see in this picture that reminds you of our [Current Emotion] World?" "What colors are you choosing for that part, and why?" "How does this picture make you feel?"
• Optional Follow-up: You could follow this with a very short (5-10 minute) game session for the same Emotion World, focusing on just a few Diamond questions, or have a brief group share where children can show their finished coloring pages if they wish.

Lesson 2 - Little Microphones, Becoming Radio Stars!

Little Microphones is a joyful, simple audio activity where students record short answers to prompts from the current Emotion World—and with one click, you turn those recordings into a real classroom radio show, complete with jingles, gentle background music, and prompts in the correct book order.

It’s the perfect bridge between gameplay, reflection, and creativity: children speak in their own voices, practice naming feelings, and build confidence, while you get an engaging outcome everyone wants to listen to - in class and at home.

The next chapter is all about the Little Microphones.

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Listen to the Sample Kids' Radio Show

The best way to understand the magic is to hear it first! We highly recommend playing the Sample Kids' Show available above. Hearing the fun jingles and other voices is the perfect way to get your class excited about what they are about to create.

What is the Little Microphones Radio Show?

In a nutshell, the Little Microphones feature is a simple, powerful tool that allows you and your students to create your very own radio program for each Emotion World. The true brilliance lies in its ability to create two distinct shows from the same set of questions, one with the Kids, another one for their Parents.

Kids' Radio Show & Parents' Radio Show

• It’s a Collaborative Audio Journal for Kids: Students record their answers to simple questions, creating a unique audio snapshot of their emotional understanding.
• It Creates a Unique Kids Radio Show: Our platform automatically compiles these recordings into a polished, private radio station page for your class to enjoy.
• It Strengthens the Home-School Connection: Parents can be invited not only to listen to their Kids’ Radio Show, but also to record their own answers. The system then compiles these into a second, parallel Parents' Radio Show just for the classroom.
  
  Kids can later listen to this show together in class. Hearing their parents’ voices sparks joy, curiosity, and naturally encourages children to start conversations about emotions at home.
• It Becomes a Lasting Keepsake: Beyond classroom impact, these recordings can serve as a wonderful memory for families — a time capsule of children’s voices, thoughts, and feelings that parents can cherish for years to come.

Important Note: 
The Parents’ Show is completely OPTIONAL — you can decide whether to invite families to participate. If you feel some parents may not be ready or willing, you can skip this part entirely and still enjoy the full classroom experience with your students.

How to Run Your In-Class Recording Session (The Kids' Show)‍

Allow 15-25 minutes for your first in-class recording session.

A. Set the Stage for Your Students

Gather your students and build the excitement! You can say something like: "Today, we are all going to be radio stars! We're going to create our own Radio Show about [the emotion, e.g., fear]. I'm going to ask a few questions, and we will be recording your amazing answers!"

B. Getting to the Recording Studio

Don't worry, producing this show is easier than you think! You have full control, and the process is designed to be simple and fun.

1. From your educator dashboard, click the Little Microphones tab.
2. Find the Emotion World you are working on and click the red record button.
3. This takes you to the recording page, where you'll see all the Audio Story, questions and hints. This is your studio!

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C. The Art of Recording: Your Session, Your Way!

Flexibility is your superpower! You don’t have to record answers for all six questions — you decide how to shape the session so kids feel safe and engaged.

1. Optional Warm-Up: Before starting the radio show, play the short Audio Story connected to the Emotion World. It sets the mood and helps children relax, before they take the mic.‍

2. Choose a Question → Click the arrow next to a question to expand it and see helpful hints.‍

3. Read the main Question aloud → Ask the whole group, or invite individual children to answer. The teacher navigates the session, making sure participation feels comfortable. Example: “If a friend was scared, what would you do to make them feel better?”

You can use extra hints to spark ideas and keep the conversation flowing.

4. Record the Answer → When a child (or group) is ready, click the big red START microphone button. After they’ve finished, click STOP — the recording saves automatically.‍

💡 Tips:
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‍ → You can freely edit the recordings – if needed, simply delete an answer by clicking the trash icon and record it again.

‍ → If it helps, you can also print the list of questions from the Emotion Books section (available as a PDF). Having them on paper can make it easier to guide the session.

‍ → The goal is progress, not perfection! Start with just a few kids on a few questions to get everyone comfortable.

D. Your Recording Options

• Computer/Laptop Microphone: Works well if children can come close to your computer.
• External USB Microphone: Can significantly improve audio quality.
• Mobile Phone (Recommended): For maximum clarity, log in to your Hey Feelings account on your phone's web browser. You can then use your phone like a reporter's microphone, holding it comfortably for each child.

💡 Tip: You can also use two devices at the same time (e.g., laptop + phone) if it makes recording easier. Just make sure you’re logged in with the same Hey Feelings account on both devices.

III. Generating the Show & Engaging Families

A. Creating Your Private Radio Station Page

Once you have at least one recording, you can generate the show.

1. Find the Play Button: You can find this on the recording page (top-right corner) or on the main Little Microphones dashboard.
2. Launch the Show: Clicking this icon will open a new tab. This is your class's private, secure radio station page!

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B. Inviting Parents to Participate

Now, let's involve the grown-ups!

1. Share the Secure Link: Copy the link to your new radio station page and share it with parents through your usual communication method (class newsletter, email, app, etc.).
2. Provide the Printable Guide (Optional): In the Emotion Books section, you can find a Lesson 3 - Little Microphones PDF with a scannable QR Code that also leads to the radio station page and a few words of explanation for the Parents.
3. What Parents Do: When a parent follows the link, they can:
   • Listen to the Kids' Show: They get to hear their child and their classmates' wonderful answers.
   • Record Their Own Answers: They will see a Record Your Answers button. This allows them to record their own perspectives on the same questions. Their recordings are then added to the separate "Parents' Show" player on the page.
   • Flexibility for Parents: Participation is completely optional! Parents can choose to answer just one, two, or as many questions as they like.

Important Note on Privacy:
For privacy, parents cannot listen to other parents' recordings. Only you, the educator, can play the Parents' Show in the classroom. The Parents' Show is created only for the Kids, not for other parents.

C. Staying in the Loop: Automatic Notifications

• For You: You'll receive an email notification when parents add their recordings.
• For Parents: Parents will receive an email notification when a new Kids' Radio Show is available, keeping them connected to classroom activities.

IV. The Listening Party: A Tale of Two Shows!

We suggest splitting your listening party into two powerful parts.

• Part 1: The Kids' Show Celebration! Dedicate a session to playing the radio show with all the student recordings.
• Part 2: The Parent Perspective! In a follow-up session, play the parents' radio show. Frame it as a fun exploration: "We heard what you thought... now let's hear what the grown-ups had to say!"

🎙️ Teacher’s Tips for Hosting the Radio Show

General Principles

• Encourage wild comparisons and absurd ideas – they’re not only fine, they’re welcome! The more laughter, the better.
• Use child-friendly language and build on their thoughts: “Ah, so empathy is purple!” or “I see, fear sounds like an owl!”
• Don’t correct “wrong” answers – every response has value.
• Invite gestures, facial expressions, and even full-body acting of emotions.
• Use children’s names: “What do you think, Sophie?” or “Tom, can you show us what fear looks like?”

Conversation Techniques

• Echo their ideas: “If fear is green, can we hide it in the grass?”
• Ask follow-ups: “Why do you think it’s blue?”
• Let children respond to each other’s answers: “What do you all think about Anna’s idea?”
• Connect to their world: “Just like in the cartoons you know…”

What to Do If…

• A child doesn’t know: “That’s perfect! Let’s just invent something on the spot.”
• A funny answer comes up: laugh with them and expand on it.
• There’s silence: “Maybe the emotion is very quiet today… what do you think?”
• A child feels shy: remind them that every idea counts and there are no wrong answers.

Language to Use

• Introduce real emotion words like compassion, empathy, fear – children learn best by hearing them in context.
• Allow philosophical answers and treat them seriously – you’re playfully exploring big ideas together.
• Encourage life examples: “Has something like this ever happened to you?”‍

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You now have everything you need to create a truly memorable and impactful learning experience for both your students and their families!

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