Helping Kids Understand the Connection Between Feelings and Moods

This unit introduces mood. Students will learn that their feelings and emotions put them in a mood and that their mood influences their choices. Four essential concepts form an understanding of mood:

1. Mood (along with recharge) is a key influencer of fit choices.
2. Mood is your motivation. Mood can be "I will make a healthy choice," or "I won't make a healthy choice."
3. Self-motivation strategies can help you motivate your mood.
4. Your mood can change throughout the day.

Teacher note: Prior to beginning this unit, download the Little Learners Cozy Spot fit-Kit to create a special space where kids can go to independently cope with BIG feelings such as anger, frustration, or sadness. Read How to Create a Cozy Spot for Kids Anywhere to learn more about the benefits of a cozy spot for kids.

Begin the lesson by hiding your face behind your hands. Move your hands and show your students a big smile. Ask them, “What words can you use to say how you think I am feeling?” Try this with different facial expressions. Brainstorm words students already know to help them describe their own feelings and emotions (e.g., happy, sad, calm).

Follow along with the slideshow as you continue the lesson.

To use this with your students click here.

Facial Expressions Show Feelings

During the slideshow presentation, ask students to mimic each face then name the feeling or emotion.

Feeling words do not need to match the examples. The objective is to get kids talking about the many words that can be used to describe and express feelings and emotions.

Name Different Feelings

As a class, list words that describe feelings and emotions on the Feelings and Emotions Chart. Aim for at least three words for each facial expression. Your chart will be unique to the age and personalities of your students!

Make sure students are aware that feelings and emotions can change throughout the day.

Check for understanding: Can you name some feelings and emotions?

Check in With Your Feelings

Show your students how to check in with their feelings and emotions throughout the day. Give them this sentence to use to get them started: I feel _________________ right now.

When students have a strong feeling, like anger, guide them to use words to express the feeling or emotion in a healthy way. Use the How Are You Feeling? printable for students to record how they feel at different times during the day. This will help them understand that feelings and emotions change throughout the day.

Share different scenarios, such as being ignored by a friend or playing a favorite game in PE, and ask students to explain how each would make them feel. Let students come up with similar situations they’ve been through, asking them to focus on how they felt and, in some circumstances, how their feelings and emotions changed. This would be a great journaling exercise as well. There are so many ways to help kids check in with their feelings. Get ready to show them how these feelings affect their mood.