'The Emotion Ladder': Feelings Synonyms Display & Activity and Classroom Strategy featuring The Scribbles Crew
The Emotion Ladder is all about scaling emotions and feelings. It helps children to identify how they are feeling in that moment and to expand a child’s emotion and feeling vocabulary.
Our BIG feelings can feel like they are stacking up on top of each other. BIG feelings can feel like they are so heavy we might topple over or explode!
Emotions can feel difficult to explain and label at times, as we might feel angry or might be feeling a variation of anger like annoyed or frustrated.
This activity could be used as a whole-class display, whereby you display the emotion of the week and add a new synonym each day of the week to the ladder to expand children’s emotional literacy skills and emotional vocabulary.
Suitable for KS1 (with support) and KS2.
How could this resource be used?
- To support children to identify and discuss their feelings in a given moment throughout the day.
- To discuss how to move between different emotional states and reach a desired emotion, e.g. happy or calm.
- To expand emotional literacy skills and emotional vocabulary.
Relevant Curriculum Links
England PSHE Statutory Curriculum Strands:
KS1:
- H11. about different feelings that humans can experience.
- H12. how to recognise and name different feelings.
- H13. how feelings can affect people’s bodies and how they behave.
- H15. to recognise that not everyone feels the same at the same time, or feels the same about the same things.
- H17. about things that help people feel good (e.g. playing outside, doing things they enjoy, spending time with family, getting enough sleep).
- H18. different things they can do to manage big feelings, to help calm themselves down and/or change their mood when they don’t feel good.
- H19. to recognise when they need help with feelings; that it is important to ask for help with feelings; and how to ask for it.
KS2:
- H16. about strategies and behaviours that support mental health — including how good quality sleep, physical exercise/time outdoors, being involved in community groups, doing things for others, clubs, and activities, hobbies and spending time with family and friends can support mental health and wellbeing.
- H18. about everyday things that affect feelings and the importance of expressing feelings.
- H20. strategies to respond to feelings, including intense or conflicting feelings; how to manage and respond to feelings appropriately and proportionately in different situations.
- H21. to recognise warning signs about mental health and wellbeing and how to seek support for themselves and others.
- H22. to recognise that anyone can experience mental ill health; that most difficulties can be resolved with help and support; and that it is important to discuss feelings with a trusted adult.
Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):
- I am aware of and able to express my feelings and am developing the ability to talk about them. HWB 0-01a / HWB 1-01a / HWB 2-01a / HWB 3-01a / HWB 4-01a.
- I know that we all experience a variety of thoughts and emotions that affect how we feel and behave and I am learning ways of managing them. HWB 0-02a / HWB 1-02a / HWB 2-02a / HWB 3-02a / HWB 4-02a.
- I understand that there are people I can talk to and that there are a number of ways in which I can gain access to practical and emotional support to help me and others in a range of circumstances. HWB 0-03a / HWB 1-03a / HWB 2-03a / HWB 3-03a / HWB 4-03a.
- I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. HWB 0-04a / HWB 1-04a / HWB 2-04a / HWB 3-04a / HWB 4-04a.
- I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available. HWB 0-06a / HWB 1-06a / HWB 2-06a / HWB 3-06a / HWB 4-06a.
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