Big Feelings, Little Hands: Emotion Sorting Games Kids Actually Love - post

Child care classrooms are full of feelings. A child may smile one minute and cry the next. That’s normal! Young children are still learning how to name emotions, understand them, and calm their bodies.

Emotion sorting games are a simple, fun way to teach feelings. They work because children learn best through play and because sorting is an early math skill, too. These games also support language, self-control, and friendship skills. #socialemotional #earlychildhood #SEL

What are emotion sorting games (and why do kids like them)?

Emotion sorting games help children:

• Name feelings (happy, sad, mad, scared, calm)

• Notice clues (faces, body posture, voice)

• Match emotions to situations (what happened?)

• Practice calming tools (what can I do next?)

Kids like these games because they feel like puzzles, matching, or treasure hunts. They also give children a safe way to talk about big feelings without being “in trouble.”

What materials do I need to start (cheap and easy)?

You can start with materials you already have:

• Paper plates or cups (for “emotion bins”)

• Sticky notes

• Toy animals or dolls

• Picture cards (faces, emojis, or photos)

• A small basket or bag (“emotion grab bag”)

• Painter’s tape (for floor sorting)

For ready-to-use printables and ideas from birth to kindergarten, use this ChildCareEd resource:

• Emotion Sorting Activities Birth-Kindergarten

How do I teach emotion sorting the right way (without pushing kids too hard)?

Use this simple 3-step method:

1) Name it (teacher models).
“Your eyebrows look tight. Your hands are in fists. That looks like mad.”

2) Match it (child practices).
“Which card shows mad? Can you put it in the ‘mad’ spot?”

3) Help it (teach a next step).
“When I feel mad, I can stomp my feet 3 times, then take a breath.”

Keep it light and short. Many children do best with 3–5 minutes at a time.

Which emotion sorting games do kids actually love? (Try these 6 options)

1) Emotion Basket Grab

How it works: Put emotion cards (faces) in a basket. Each child pulls one card and sorts it into the matching “emotion home” (happy/sad/mad/scared/calm).
Make it easier: Start with 2 emotions only (happy/sad).
Make it harder: Ask, “What might make someone feel that way?”

2) Stuffed Animal Feelings Sort

How it works: Put a few stuffed animals in a line. Give children emotion cards. They “give” each animal a feeling and explain why (or you explain for toddlers).
Teacher script: “Bear dropped his snack. How might Bear feel?”
This is great for pretend play and supports empathy. #inclusion

3) Photo Sort: Real Faces

How it works: Use photos of children showing simple emotions (you can use pictures from magazines or classroom-safe photos). Children sort by emotion.
Tip: Real faces help children learn that emotions look different on different people.

4) Movement Sort (Big Body Version)

How it works: Put emotion labels on the floor. Call out a feeling and a movement:

• “Happy: jump!”

• “Sad: slow walk.”

• “Mad: stomp 3 times.”
  Then children move to the matching emotion spot.
  This is perfect when kids have “wiggles” and need movement.

5) Story Sort (After Read-Aloud)

How it works: After a short book, ask children to sort emotions from the story:

• “How did the character feel at the start?”

• “How did they feel at the end?”
  Keep it simple with picture cards and one question at a time.

6) Calm-Down Tool Sort

How it works: Make 2–3 categories like:

• “Helps my body” (breathing, squeezing a ball)

• “Helps my voice” (quiet corner, asking for help)

• “Helps my hands” (playdough, drawing)
  Children sort calming tools into the category that fits.
  This turns “calm down” into something children can do, not just something they are told.

How do I adjust these games for different ages (birth to kindergarten)?

Infants (0–12 months):

• Focus on your words and soothing routines

• Use simple labels: “You’re upset. I’m here.”

• Show one face card at a time and match your tone (soft voice)

Toddlers (1–2 years):

• Use 2 feelings first: happy/sad (then add mad)

• Use quick sorting with large pictures

• Try mirrors: “Show me happy!”

Preschool (3–4 years):

• Add more feelings (scared, surprised, proud, worried)

• Ask short questions: “What happened?” “What can we try?”

• Use role-play with dolls

Pre-K/Kindergarten (4–6 years):

• Add “size of feeling” (small/medium/big)

• Sort by “what helps” (breathing, talking, space)

• Try simple problem-solving: “What could you do next time?” #bigfeelings

What are simple classroom tips that make emotion sorting work better?

• Start during calm times, not during a meltdown

• Use the same emotion words every day (keep it consistent)

• Keep cards and bins in one place so children can use them on their own

• Praise the skill, not the mood:

  • “You matched the feeling!”

  • “You tried a calm breath!”

• Model your own feelings:

  • “I feel frustrated. I’m going to take a breath.”

Which ChildCareEd courses should staff take to support big feelings?

These trainings connect well to emotion sorting, self-regulation, and positive guidance:

• Brighter Futures: Social Emotional Development
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-brighter-futures-social-emotional-development.html

• The ABCs of Behavior: Turning Challenges into Learning Opportunities
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-the-abcs-of-behavior-turning-challenges-into-learning-opportunities-4071.html

• Turning Behavior Around for Toddlers and Preschoolers
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-turning-behavior-around-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers.html

What common mistakes should teachers avoid?

• Mistake: Teaching emotions only when kids are upset.
  Fix: Practice with games during calm times so children can use the skill later.

• Mistake: Too many emotion choices at once.
  Fix: Start with 2–3 emotions, then slowly add more.

• Mistake: Correcting a child’s emotion (“You’re not mad!”).
  Fix: Try, “You might feel mad or worried. Let’s look at the cards.”

• Mistake: Skipping the “what helps” step.
  Fix: Always pair feelings with a tool: breathe, ask for help, take space, squeeze a ball.

FAQ: Quick answers for busy classrooms

Q1: What if a child chooses the “wrong” emotion card?
That’s okay. Say, “Tell me about your choice.” Then gently model: “I wonder if it could also be sad.”

Q2: Should I force a child to talk about their feelings?
No. Offer choices: “Point to a card” or “show me with your face.” Some children need time.

Q3: Can emotion sorting help with behavior challenges?
Yes. Naming feelings and practicing calm-down tools can reduce hitting, yelling, and refusing over time—especially when adults stay consistent.

Q4: What’s a good related article for more ideas?
Try this ChildCareEd article with more easy activities:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/emotions-for-kids-fun-activities-to-teach-feelings-and-self-control.html