Toddlers feel everything with their whole hearts—joy, frustration, excitement, even disappointment—sometimes all in the same ten minutes. For little ones, these “big feelings” can feel overwhelming, but learning how to name them is the very first step toward handling them. At our daycare, we make emotions fun and safe to explore, turning everyday moments into gentle lessons in kindness, patience, and understanding.
Feelings Faces Fun
One of our favorite tools is a simple “feelings face” chart with big, colorful expressions. We’ll point to the happy face and say, “I feel happy when I play outside!” or the sad face with, “I feel sad when my block tower falls.” Toddlers love taking turns choosing a face and acting it out—sometimes dramatically! These little games help children connect words to feelings, giving them language they can use instead of tears or frustration.
Puppet Talk for Emotions
Puppets are magic when it comes to teaching feelings. During story time, a puppet might pretend to feel shy about joining play or mad when someone takes a toy. The kids laugh, but they also jump in with solutions: “He can say ‘I’m sad’” or “She can ask nicely for a turn.” By watching and helping the puppet, toddlers practice empathy and learn safe, simple ways to share their emotions.
The Calm-Down Basket
Sometimes feelings bubble up and toddlers need a cozy place to rest. Our calm-down basket is filled with soft pillows, sensory toys, and picture books. When a child feels upset, they can choose a snuggly item and take a break. This isn’t a “time-out”—it’s a safe space where they learn that calming down is something they can do for themselves. Over time, toddlers see emotions as something to notice, not something to fear.
Emotion Songs & Stories
Music and books bring emotions to life in the most joyful way. We sing songs that match feelings—fast and bouncy when we’re excited, slow and gentle when we’re calm. Books with expressive characters give us endless chances to pause and ask, “How do you think she feels?” or “What might he say right now?” These small questions help toddlers learn that every feeling has a name and every feeling is okay.
Sharing Circle
Each day, gather in a small circle where everyone has a turn to speak. Sometimes they will share about their favorite toy, sometimes it’s just “I feel happy!” while holding a stuffed animal. In this little circle, toddlers discover that their voices matter—and so do their feelings.
Helping toddlers name their emotions doesn’t have to feel like a lesson. With puppets, songs, and playful games, we’re giving them lifelong tools for communication, kindness, and confidence. At home, you can join in simply by naming your own feelings out loud: “I feel proud of you” or “I feel tired but happy.” These everyday words become a toddler’s first guide to understanding the big, beautiful world inside them.
