Emotion Story Builders
Children use puppets or toys to create and act out simple stories based on feelings. Through guided prompts and pretend play, they begin to express emotions, build language, and explore how feelings connect to everyday experiences.
Materials
Puppets, stuffed animals, or small toys
Optional: paper and crayons
Instructions
Invite children to choose a feeling to begin (happy, sad, excited, frustrated).
Encourage them to select a character using a puppet or toy.
Ask simple prompts like “What happened?” or “What do they do next?”
Support children in acting out their story using voice and movement.
Talk together about how the character feels and what they might do next.
Learning Benefits
Builds storytelling and sequencing skills
Supports emotional expression and understanding
Encourages imagination and creative thinking
Strengthens communication through play
Infant & Toddler Adaptations
Offer a simple puppet or toy and model short, simple actions with clear emotions. Use expressive voice and movement while naming feelings, and allow children to watch, imitate, or respond in their own way.