The Importance of Reading Emotions

The Importance of Reading Emotions

The Importance of Reading Emotions

Carmen Knight, M.A.T. Early Childhood and Special Education 

The Importance of Reading Emotions

The ability to read emotions is essential in developing good relationships with family and peers. When someone is sad, a child needs to be able to recognize that emotion in order to show empathy and comfort. In the same way, children should recognize happiness and share that joy. A large portion of children with autism struggle with the ability to read emotions.  The number of children being diagnosed with autism is currently 1 in 54 children.   As the number of children being diagnosed increases, we need to make sure that we are meeting the needs of these children to ensure their success.

The Importance of Reading Emotions

As Early interventionists and therapists, it is imperative that we create opportunities for our children on the Autism Spectrum to learn these skills. One way to teach emotions to our children is through pictures. SmileMakers offers a fun way to teach emotions with the use of their Emotions Puzzle Block. This super-affordable block puzzle offers nine different emotions. As the child creates each picture, you can review the name and the response that needs to come with each emotion. The child will have so much fun they will not even realize how important this skill is to their development and future success. The blocks are sturdy and portable and the perfect toy to teach children how to recognize emotions and respond to them appropriately. 

The Importance of Reading Emotions

There are many fun ways to teach emotions to your patients. Another item I find fun to use is the fun Emoji Stickers. All children know and love emojis! You can do a simple activity for your children that they are able to take home and review throughout the week. On a piece of construction paper, place each emotion emoji and label each sticker with the name of the emotion. Early interventionists, therapists, or parents can use these stickers to teach emotion recognition.

The Importance of Reading Emotions

As fun as these emojis are, the mouth and eyes will show the appropriate emotion your patient needs to learn to recognize. These small, portable, and affordable items can help teach a child the importance of emotions for themselves and others. Parents will be so happy to see their child learn these emotions and in turn develop relationships with others.

2021-05-05 20:42:55 7 viewed
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