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Give your preschool child a head start for school.

Help children express their emotions with this Emotion Station.

What You’ll Need

Milk carton or other box with four equal sides
Scissors
Crayons, markers and paint
Colored paper
Pencil
Glue or tape

Optional: old magazines

Instructions

1. If the carton has a peaked top, cut it off.

2. Measure the four sides and top of the carton on colored paper. Choose light-colored paper because the child will be drawing on it. Each side will contain one emotion, so it might help to choose colors to go with each emotion. For example, ask the child, "What color reminds you of being sad?" Then use that color for the sad side.

3. Have the child draw an emotion on each side: happy; sad; angry; and, scared. The child can draw faces that show different emotions, or cut faces out of old magazines. He/she could also portray each emotion using colors, lines and shapes.

4. If paint was used, let the papers dry. Attach the papers to each side of the box.

5. Use the Emotion Station to discuss different emotions with your child. For instance, after a tantrum, you can show your child the angry side and say, "You were angry. Is this what you felt like when you were crying?" Or use the Emotion Station to discuss your own feelings.

Submitted by Leximom