Emotions are reactions that humans experience in response to events or situations. Emotions have a strong influence in our daily lives.We make decisions based on whether we are happy,angry,sad or frustrated.We also choose activities and hobbies based on the emotions they incite. Understanding emotions can help us navigate life with ease and stability.
Understanding and managing emotions is important for the wellbeing of children. Expressing appropriately is a much required life skill.Being able to communicate,express and share emotions helps children to generate social understanding,empathy and healthy relationships.
Most of us experience a wide variety of emotions.The feelings that come from these emotions can be overwhelming at times.We have to understand that its okay to experience any type of emotion. For example, if a child feels unhappy,it is important to teach children identify when they are feeling unhappy and communicate it. By doing so,they can learn to find a solution to make themselves feel better. Doing this can help children realize that they are in control of how they feel. It will create a sense of awareness and develop self confidence.
The activity “Exploring emotions with Dora” was conducted by Ms.Ganga, Volunteer ELC.
Dora visited the children and took them on a journey where they explored few emotions – Happy,Excited,Angry and Sad. For each emotion,a situation was created and ways to express the emotion appropriately was enacted in the following ways:
*When happy – Sing “Happy and you know it”
*When excited – Do a yahoo action by throwing your hands up in the air
*When angry- Take a break
*When sad – Ask for a hug.
Emotion wheel and placards were used to explain.
At the end of the activity,the children learnt different emotions,and learnt ways to handle and express them appropriately.They also were taught that everyone feels different emotions and it is okay to develop feelings and be emotional. However, it is important to communicate them, express and take help.
