Facial Expression & Feelings Cards

Facial Expression & Feelings Cards

Feelings can be difficult to put into words, particularly when you are still learning what those feelings actually are.

These 6 printable Facial Expression Cards offer a gentle, play based way to explore sad, happy, angry, surprised, calm and sleepy. Each card uses natural loose parts to create a simple facial expression, alongside a small selection of related words and the invitation “Can you make a… face?” 

Add them to a mirror basket, emotions provision, loose parts invitation or treasure basket with pebbles, sticks, leaves, flowers and pinecones. Children can recreate the expression, change individual features or make a completely different face, opening up natural conversations about what expressions might tell us and how feelings can look different from one person to another.

They are deliberately prompts rather than rules. A smile does not always mean somebody is happy and an emotion does not have one correct facial expression. Use the cards as a starting point for noticing, wondering and building emotional vocabulary, while leaving space for children to describe their own experiences in their own way.

Included: 6 printable Facial Expression CardsFormat: Digital PDF downloadPerfect for: Emotional literacy, communication and language, loose parts play, self awareness, feelings provision and calm spacesAvailable: Purchase individually or access as part of The Play Library

A few natural treasures, a mirror and plenty of space for children to tell you what their feelings look like.