Understanding My Feelings | Printable Emotions Lesson for Ages 5–7

Does your child struggle to name what they are feeling or explain their emotions with words?

Before children can manage big feelings, they must first learn how to recognize and name them. This foundational lesson helps children understand that every feeling has a name, all feelings are okay, and their choices still matter.

Through the relatable story “Aniya’s Big Morning,” children explore several emotions Aniya experiences throughout her day. They will practice identifying feelings in themselves and others while learning to express those feelings safely with words.

Your child will practice how to:

• Recognize and name common emotions
• Identify feelings in themselves and others
• Use facial expressions and situations as emotional clues
• Understand that all feelings are valid
• Separate a feeling from the behavior that follows
• Use words to communicate how they feel
• Choose a safe response when experiencing a big emotion

Inside this lesson:

• The relatable social story “Aniya’s Big Morning”
• Guided comprehension and discussion questions
• A Feelings Detective activity
• A visual Skill Builder page explaining that all feelings have names
• “When I Have Big Feelings” personal-practice activity
• A comparison of using feeling words and yelling
• Wrap-up reflection and Parent Extension

How to use this lesson

The main lesson takes approximately 30–45 minutes and can support one week of continued practice. Complete a few pages at a time or finish the lesson in one sitting, then practice naming feelings during real-life moments throughout the week.

No teaching experience is required. Simply download, print, and work through the lesson together.

Perfect for:

• Homeschool learning
• Parent-guided practice at home
• Classroom SEL instruction
• Small-group learning
• Counseling or behavior-support sessions
• After-school programs

Please note:

✓ Designed for ages 5–7; may also support children of other ages based on their developmental needs
✓ One complete printable lesson
✓ Instant digital download
✓ Delivered in printable PDF format
✓ Nothing will be shipped
✓ Also included in the complete 8-lesson Managing Big Emotions Unit

Help your child understand that every feeling has a name—and using words to name the feeling is the first step toward managing it.