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Practicing how to tell others how we feel using simple and clear sentences.
Have you ever felt like a shaken-up soda bottle, ready to pop? What if you had a magic key that could let the bubbles out safely so you felt calm again?
When we have big feelings like being mad, sad, or scared, our bodies feel very busy. We might want to stomp our feet or shout. But did you know that words are like magic keys? When we use our words, we help the people around us understand what is happening inside our hearts. Using words keeps our bodies safe and helps our friends stay happy too. Instead of using our hands to hit, we use our mouths to speak. This makes us problem solvers!
Quick Check
Why is it better to use words instead of hitting when we are angry?
Answer
Words help people understand us and keep everyone safe.
To use your magic words, you can use a special sentence. It goes like this: 'I feel [Emotion] because [Reason].' For example, if you lose your favorite pencil, you don't have to cry. You can say, 'I feel sad because I lost my pencil.' This tells your teacher or your friend exactly why you are upset so they can help you find it!
1. Identify the feeling: You are sad. 2. Identify the reason: Your blue crayon broke. 3. Put it together: 'I feel sad because my crayon broke.'
Quick Check
Finish this sentence: 'I feel ____ because I missed my turn on the slide.'
Answer
Sad (or disappointed/upset).
After you say how you feel, you can ask for help! This is called making a request. Sometimes we need a hug, sometimes we need a break, and sometimes we just need a turn. When we ask for what we need, we don't have to wait for someone to guess. We are taking care of ourselves!
1. Feel: The room is too loud and you feel frustrated. 2. Say the feeling: 'I feel frustrated because it is too loud.' 3. Make the request: 'Can I please have a quiet break in the reading corner?'
It can be hard to use words when we are very, very upset. That is okay! You can take a deep breath first. Count to in your head: then try to speak. Even if your voice is small, your words are very strong. Being a brave speaker means choosing to talk even when you are feeling a 'big' emotion.
1. Stop and breathe: Take a deep breath so you don't shout. 2. Use the sentence: 'I feel angry because you took my toy without asking.' 3. Make the request: 'Please give it back, or we can take turns with a timer.'
What is the best way to show someone you are mad?
Which of these is a good 'I feel' sentence?
It is okay to ask for a hug or a break if you are feeling sad.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the two parts of the magic sentence: 'I feel...' and 'because...'
Practice Activity
Find a grown-up today and tell them one thing that made you feel happy using your new 'I feel' sentence!