I Feel
SEL Domain(s): Empathy
Relational Risk: Low
Grades: K-3
*Lesson may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of students
Description:
A movement and reflection-based activity where students explore and express emotions through body language, facial expressions, and creative drawing.
Materials Needed:
Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons)
"I Feel..." handout: KidsHealth PDF
Objective(s):
To help students identify and name a wide range of feelings
To describe how feelings are shown through nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions
Procedure:
Introduction to Emotions
Review a variety of feelings (happy, sad, angry, shy, excited, etc.).
Discuss how people can show feelings even without words—through faces, posture, and movement.
Movement Activity – “Feelings Freeze”
Students stand with space around them.
Teacher turns off the lights and calls out a feeling.
When lights come back on, students silently show that feeling through their expressions and movement.
Repeat with different feelings, then pause for discussion:
What does your face and body look like when you feel _______?
Reflection with Handout
Distribute the "I Feel..." handout.
Students draw or write about times they have experienced different emotions.
Invite sharing with the class if comfortable.
Extension Activities:
Feelings Through Color
Discuss how colors relate to feelings (e.g., red = angry, blue = calm).
Students choose three colors and draw a picture that shows how they feel today.
Mirror Emotions with a Partner
In pairs, one student leads with facial expressions and small movements, and the other mirrors them.
Switch roles to build observation and empathy.
