Here’s a program for teaching emotions. Whenever possible, it is best to teach emotions in the moment as they are happening.

E.g., A child’s toy breaks – You can label, “You feel sad. You broke your toy.”

The second program is based on a workshop by Francesca Degli Espinosa. She recommends teaching emotions when the child is experiencing them and relating them to physical manifestations of WHY they might be feeling that way. What for the public event and then label the corresponding private event.

Example: “You’re sad. I can see that your toy is broken.”

Once students can identify and label emotions, teach them situations WHEN they feel specific emotions. E.g., I feel excited and nervous at a birthday party. I feel sad when…. etc.

Then, if necessary, teach other emotional regulation strategies.