Feelings

I dont know to whom I might give this feelings chart credit. But we have used it heavily in my family, so thanks who ever you are!

I originally printed this chart on cardstock and attached it to magnetic backing. Then each feeling got cut out and placed on the fridge. Over about 4 or 5 years, the children have used them without my ever asking! The expressive faces alone attracted Little Brother, who is only just now becoming a reader. He may not always be able to label his feeling, but he can see it in the funny faces illustrated.

And Big Sis, an early reader, would compare the labeled emotion and decide whether it might'nt match a different face better! "I think this face looks more frustrated and this one is more 'sneaky' feeling!" Nothing is set in stone for that girl.

Sometimes, the kids will walk through the kitchen, squat and arrange the little personified squares, and pull one up to the top of the others. "Mommie, THIS is how I am feeling right now."
And on the go with their day.

Since our move... two years ago!... we have lost many of these little magnets. So I am printing up a new copy for our new home. Every time the kids use these feeling chart magnets, even if they are feeling furious, they are overcome with JOY for having an expression they can easily understand. It is amazing how being conscious of our feelings can free us from our worries and doubts. And since they are movable, we are allowed to change our feelings! We can have more than one feeling at a time. We can drop our feelings on the floor and pick them up again when we are ready! And we can share our feelings, what they mean, and how they were inspired, with the people we love ~ our family.