Happy and Sad Faces

💡 About this activity

🎯 Learning objectives

• Point to a happy face and a sad face with support.
• Name or indicate at least one feeling with a gesture.
• Share an idea about happiness or what helps when feeling sad, using words, gestures, or pointing.

🧺 What you need

• Printed page with faces
• A comfortable place to sit

👣 How to do it

1. Place the page within your child's reach.
2. Invite your child to look at the faces with you.
3. Point to a face and say, “This child looks happy.”
4. Point to a sad face and say, “This child looks sad.”
5. Ask your child to point to a happy face and then a sad face. Help if needed.
6. Ask what makes your child happy and what might help when they feel sad.
7. Welcome their response and remind them that all feelings are okay.

🍎 Teaching suggestions

• Give your child time to respond with words, gestures, or pointing.
• If choosing is difficult, show just two faces and name each feeling.
• Connect the conversation to everyday life: “You smiled when we played together.”
• Don't press your child to talk about anything they don't want to share. Listen and offer comfort.

🔀 Variations

💬 Talk about it

• What do you see on this face?
• What makes you happy?
• What do you like people to do when you feel sad?
• How can we help someone who feels sad?

👀 What to look for

• Notice whether your child points to a happy face and a sad face, with or without help.
• Notice whether your child names a feeling or indicates one by gesturing or pointing.
• Notice whether your child shares an idea about happiness or comfort.