Helping Kids Understand and Express Feelings Through Literacy

In the whirlwind of early childhood, big emotions are a daily occurrence. Helping children understand and express these feelings is a critical part of their development, and literacy plays an essential role in that journey. From the stories we read to the conversations we have, books offer powerful tools for teaching emotional intelligence and providing kids with the language to articulate their emotions. 

Why Literacy Helps With Emotional Development 

Stories are often mirrors of our own experiences, and for young children, they offer a safe space to explore and make sense of their feelings. Characters in books experience joy, frustration, sadness, and excitement, just like children do. When we read these stories together, we can help children identify with those emotions, understand them better, and learn healthy ways to express what they are feeling. 

Additionally, talking about emotions—whether through storytelling, songs, or everyday conversations—gives children the vocabulary they need to label their feelings. This is important because when children can name their emotions, they are better able to manage them. It also helps build empathy as kids begin to understand that others feel emotions too. 

Using Books to Start Conversations About Emotions 

Books can open the door to meaningful conversations about how your child is feeling. After reading, ask questions like, "How do you think the character felt when that happened?" or "What would you do if you felt that way?" This encourages children to reflect on their own emotions and think about different ways to express them. 

You can also use storytelling to talk about the different ways we can manage big feelings, like taking deep breaths, talking to someone, or finding a quiet space. These strategies, introduced through the gentle lens of storytelling, can help children learn to navigate their emotions in real-life situations. 

Activities to Promote Emotional Literacy 

Here are a few simple activities to help build your child’s emotional literacy: 

• Create a Feelings Chart: Draw faces that express different emotions (happy, sad, angry, etc.) and let your child point to or color the one they feel that day. This can be a fun, interactive way for them to express their mood. 
• Storytelling with Puppets: Use puppets or stuffed animals to act out different emotions. Let your child be in charge of the story, and watch as they creatively express how their characters feel. 
• Reading About Emotions: After reading a book, encourage your child to identify the emotions the characters experience. Talk about times when they might have felt the same way and how they reacted. 

Recommended Books About Emotions 

Here are some books that can help guide conversations about feelings: 

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. A gentle story about coping with big emotions and the importance of just being there for someone when they need it. 
• When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… by Molly Bang. A story that teaches children about anger and how to cope with it healthily. 
• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek. With charming illustrations, this book helps children explore a wide range of emotions and gives them words to express their feelings. 
• When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland. A gentle and comforting guide to understanding and sitting with feelings of sadness, offering children a way to cope. 
• Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang. A humorous and relatable tale of a monkey who learns it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes. 
• The Rough Patch by Brian Lies. A tender story about loss and healing, showing how love and resilience can grow even in difficult times. 
• Jenny Mei is Sad by Tracy Subisak. A touching story of friendship and empathy as a young girl supports her friend who’s feeling sad. 
• When I’m Feeling Angry by Tracey Moroney. A straightforward exploration of anger, helping children understand and express this emotion in healthy ways. 
• My Mixed Emotions: Help Your Kids Handle Their Feelings by Elinor Greenwood. A colorful and engaging guide to navigating complex emotions, designed to empower children with emotional intelligence. 
• The Color Monster: a Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas. A creative and visually vibrant story that helps children identify and organize their emotions through colors.  

Supporting Emotional Growth Through Literacy 

At the Edmonton Public Library, we believe that helping children develop their emotional literacy is very important. By using books and storytelling, we can offer children a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. As parents and caregivers, you have the tools to help your child not only recognize their feelings but also express them in constructive ways. Together, let’s nurture both their minds and their hearts. 

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll explore how to incorporate cultural stories and traditions into early literacy!