Some of these behaviors could be alleviated if the child could communicate their feelings to someone. (In a previous blog, we discussed how sign language can serve as a bridge while children are developing their spoken language.)
Weather Report is a wonderful song to get children to not only recognize facial expressions but also to get “in tune” with their kinesthetic signals too.
After reviewing the classroom weather chart, explain that feelings can change just like the weather….and just like the weather, we look for signs to help us identify those feelings.
How do we move if we’re angry? Possible answers-stamping feet, pounding fists, wrinkled faces
How do we move if we’re happy? Possible answers-jumpy, dancy, floaty
How do we move if we’re sad? Possible answers-slow, droopy
Play the song Weather Report.
Follow up activities:
Weather Report: (in a group or in pairs)
One child is the meteorologist (perhaps with a blow up microphone) and another child is the “weather”. The “weather” child demonstrates a feeling and the meteorologist identifies the emotion.
Make a week’s calendar of feelings. The children can color, write or place stickers on the various days to denote their weather/feeling.