Emotion Faces Flashcards Template

Print this page double-sided. Cut along the dotted lines to create six flashcards. The front side shows the emotion faces (draw or paste illustrations), and the back side shows the emotion words.

Front Side: Emotion Faces

(Place or draw the face illustrations here)

Back Side: Emotion Words

(Align each word card to its matching face card on the front)

Cut out each card, then fold or stack so the face is on one side and the word on the other.

Self-Awareness Prompt Sheet

Take a moment to reflect silently on each prompt. Then share your thoughts with your partner.

1. Describe a recent situation in which you felt a strong emotion. What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What emotion did you experience in that moment? Why do you think you felt that way?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How did you respond to that emotion? Do you feel your response was helpful or could it have been different?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is one positive strategy you could use next time to manage or express that emotion?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Empathy Role-Play Cards

Print this page and cut along the dotted lines to create six scenario cards. In pairs, take a card and assign one partner as Role A (the sharer) and the other as Role B (the listener). Role A reads the scenario and describes how they feel. Role B practices an empathetic response.

Card 1: Lost Pet

Role A: You came to school feeling sad because you lost your beloved pet dog this morning. You miss playing with them and feel lonely without your furry friend.

Role B: Listen and respond with understanding.

Card 2: Feeling Lonely

Role A: You’re new at school and haven’t made any friends yet. At lunch, you feel lonely watching others talk and laugh together.

Role B: Listen and respond with empathy.

Card 3: Homework Frustration

Role A: You spent hours on your math homework but still don’t understand the last problem. You feel frustrated and worried it will affect your grade.

Role B: Listen and respond with supportive words.

Card 4: Bad Grade

Role A: You got back a test with a grade lower than you expected. You feel disappointed in yourself and anxious about letting your parents down.

Role B: Listen and respond with compassion.

Card 5: Family Worry

Role A: You found out that a close family member is in the hospital. You feel scared and uncertain about what will happen next.

Role B: Listen and respond with caring and validation.

Card 6: Performance Nerves

Role A: You have a big performance or presentation today and your hands are shaking. You feel nervous and fear you might forget your lines.

Role B: Listen and respond with encouragement.

Instructions: After each role-play, switch roles. Then discuss with your partner:

1. What did Role B say that felt most supportive?
2. How could Role B improve their empathetic response?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Our Communication Norms Poster

Use this large-format poster to record the norms your class co-creates for respectful, supportive communication. Hang it in a visible spot and refer to it throughout the year.

2. ________________________________________________






3. ________________________________________________






4. ________________________________________________






5. ________________________________________________

Date agreed: ______________________





All thumbs up if we agree to follow these norms every day! 👍

Community Sharing Ball

Purpose:
Use a special “talking piece” to ensure everyone gets a turn, practices listening, and begins building community.

Materials:

• One soft ball or beanbag labeled Community Sharing Ball
• A clock or timer

Setup (Teacher):

• Have students sit in a circle so everyone can see each other.
• Hold up the ball and explain that only the person holding it may speak.
• Model one quick share yourself (e.g., your name and a fun fact).

Instructions:

1. Pass the Ball (≈8 minutes)

   • The teacher starts by holding the ball, saying: “My name is ____, and my fun fact is ____.”
   • After sharing, pass the ball to any classmate.
   • When students receive the ball, they share:
     1. Their name
     2. One fun fact about themselves (favorite hobby, food, or a pet)
   • Continue passing until every student has had a turn.
   • Encourage brief applause or thumbs-up after each share.

2. Optional Variation – Year-long Goal (if time allows)

   • After everyone has shared a fun fact, pass the ball again.
   • This time, each student states one goal or hope for the school year (e.g., “I want to make new friends,” “I’d like to get better at math”).
   • Again, pass around until all have contributed.

Norms Reminder:

• Listen quietly while others speak.
• Keep shares positive and respectful.
• Show support (thumbs-up or applause) after each share.

Teacher Tips:

• Keep the pace lively—limit each share to 20–30 seconds.
• If a student is shy, invite them gently or let them pass once, then encourage next round.
• Use the timer to keep the activity on track.

After the ball activity, transition smoothly to the next part of “Building Our Circle” by returning the ball to the teacher and introducing the emotion faces flashcards.

Reflection Exit Ticket

Take a moment to reflect on today’s session. Write your responses below.

1. What is one thing you learned about yourself or your classmates today?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How will you practice empathy or use our communication norms this week?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one goal you have for yourself to help build our classroom community?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Thank you for sharing! 👍