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Building emotional intelligence, confidence, and empathy through play and connection

Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps preschoolers understand their feelings, manage emotions, and build positive relationships. At this age, children are learning to share, express their needs, and show kindness. By using hands-on, meaningful activities, we can nurture these important life skills in fun and creative ways.

Here are 10 engaging SEL activities to try — each paired with printable resources.

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1. Explore Feelings with Emotions Flash Cards

Understanding emotions starts with recognizing them. The Emotions Flash Cards feature expressive faces that help children identify feelings such as happy, sad, angry, surprised, and scared.

Why it matters: When children can name their feelings, they’re better able to communicate and manage them.
Try this: Hold up a card and ask, “When have you felt this way?” Encourage children to describe what happened and what helped them feel better.

Printable: Emotions Flash Cards

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2. Practice Calm Breathing with the Meditation Poster

Mindfulness helps children stay calm and focused. The Meditation Poster provides simple breathing exercises and visual guides that teach self-soothing techniques.

Why it matters: Deep breathing reduces stress and helps children respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
Try this: Before story time or after outdoor play, invite everyone to take three deep “balloon breaths” using the poster as a guide.

Printable: Meditation Poster

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3. Use Self-Regulation Cards During Play and Transitions

The Self-Regulation Cards are visual reminders that teach coping skills — like taking a break, breathing deeply, or asking for help. Use them throughout the day when emotions get big.

Why it matters: Preschoolers are still learning to manage frustration and disappointment. These cards make emotional regulation visible and achievable.
Try this: Keep the cards in a calm-down corner or emotion center. When a child feels upset, invite them to choose a card that will help them feel better.

Printable: Self-Regulation Cards

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4. Build Gratitude with the Thankful Turkey Craft

Gratitude fosters positivity and empathy. The Thankful Turkey Craft encourages children to reflect on what they appreciate — from family and friends to their favorite toys or pets.

Why it matters: Expressing thankfulness helps children shift their focus from what they don’t have to what they do have.
💡 Try this: During group time, each child adds a feather with something they’re thankful for. Display your turkeys on a wall to create a “Gratitude Garden.”

Printable: Thankful Turkey Craft

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5. Boost Self-Awareness with Playdough Mats

The Self-Awareness Playdough Mats allow children to explore their identity and express emotions creatively. They can create faces showing how they feel or features that represent themselves.

Why it matters: Playdough play develops fine motor skills while promoting emotional self-expression.
Try this: Encourage children to create a “happy face,” “tired face,” or “silly face” and talk about what makes them feel that way.

Printable: Self-Awareness Playdough Mats

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6. Teach About Emotions Through Stories and Play

Use your Ways to Teach About Emotions and Feelings printable as a foundation for daily emotional learning. Incorporate storytelling, puppets, and role-play to explore different feelings and responses.

Why it matters: Pretend play helps children process real-life emotions in a safe way.
Try this: Tell a short story about a character who feels left out. Pause to ask, “What could the character do to feel better?” or “How could a friend help?”

Printable: Ways to Teach About Emotions and Feelings

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7. Morning Affirmation Time with ABC Affirmation Cards

Positive self-talk helps children build resilience and confidence. The ABC Affirmation Cards feature affirmations like “A is for Amazing,” “B is for Brave,” and “C is for Caring.”

Why it matters: Repeating affirmations helps children internalize positive beliefs about themselves.
Try this: Each morning, pick one card and say it together: “I am brave!” Discuss what it means to be brave that day.

Printable: ABC Affirmation Cards

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8. Create a Classroom Emotion Chart

Make an “Emotion Chart” where each child moves their name or picture to show how they feel that day. Pair it with the Emotions Flash Cards for reference.

Why it matters: Children learn empathy by recognizing that everyone experiences different emotions.
Try this: Ask, “Who’s feeling excited today?” and talk about what’s making them feel that way.

Printable: Emoji Emotions Colouring In Pages

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9. Role-Play Friendship Scenarios

Set up pretend situations such as sharing toys, apologizing, or helping a friend. Use the Self-Regulation or Emotions Flash Cards to discuss feelings that arise during each role-play.

Why it matters: Role-play helps preschoolers practice kindness, empathy, and social problem-solving.
Try this: Act out “Someone took your crayon — what could you say?” or “Your friend is sad — what could you do?”

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10. Read Books That Nurture Emotional Growth

Stories bring emotions to life. Reading together allows children to see feelings through a character’s eyes and discuss how to handle them.

Recommended Books:

• The Color Monster by Anna Llenas — helps children understand mixed emotions
• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek — explores feelings in a poetic, child-friendly way
• A Little Spot of Emotion series by Diane Alber — introduces emotions through colorful, relatable spots
• I Am Enough by Grace Byers — celebrates self-worth and kindness
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst — teaches love and connection, even when apart

Try this: After reading, ask children to share times they’ve felt the same way as the character.

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Overall…

By using engaging activities, meaningful conversations, and the printable resources, you can help preschoolers build emotional intelligence, kindness, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.