visual & emotive emoJi check-in station

from The Bark - Spring 2023

gliding forward

The Youth team introduces visual and emotive symbols in the Shaughnessy Room in the form of the ‘Emoji Check-In’ station.

Our Youth staff have been hard at work, introducing more visual and emotive symbols as seen in the Shaughnessy Room's ‘Emoji Check-In’ station. Youth Leaders and parents can use it by asking their child(ren) to choose an emoji that represents how they are feeling that day. Part of this new emoji check in allows for the child(ren) to begin putting words to their emotions and feelings and develop a better understanding of themselves.

Some great questions to ask when looking and going through the Emoji Check-In board are:

► What makes you choose that emoji?

► What does that emoji mean? What emotion is it?

► What emoji do you wish you were today?

► Do you feel this emotion anywhere in your body?

► What kind of activities can you do that support or get you out of that emotion/emoji?

Identifying Emotions

Identifying emotions is a huge step for children in understanding what goes on in their brain and body, and sometimes they need guidance in what to do with the big and little emotions that they are feeling. Below are a few examples of activities you can encourage your child to do if they are identifying as these different emojis.

Smiling

Play a board or card game, colour a picture for someone, read a book, and do something that makes you smile even wider.

Silly Face

Learn a new joke, do a silly dance in the gym, colour a picture for someone, and/ or think of a joke to have a leader put up for joke of the week.

Cool Glasses

Make a new friend, play Pac-man or pong, play a game in the gym, and/or ask to join a game.

Sleeping

Take time to read a book, colour a picture, and ask for a trusted adult to sit with you.

Side Eye

Take 3 deep breaths, and find food to nourish your body with.

Flat Eyed

Read a book, take time to yourself, learn to play a new card game, and invite someone to join you.

Sad Face

Tell a trusted adult what is making you sad, drink some water. Give yourself a big hug for at least 3 seconds.

Angry Face

Go into the gym and take space to yourself to stomp your feet, play a running sport. Tell a trusted adult what is making you angry.

Surprised Face

Take 3 deep breaths, wiggle your toes, look around you and find something familiar.

Emojis are a tool that adults use to communicate tone and emotion in their texts. Now they can be used as a way for the younger members of the club to begin to understand their own emotions and how they hold them within themselves. Please be mindful that these are beginner steps and ideas, and each child is unique. Sometimes questions are too big and actions speak louder to show the child(ren) what they can do. For guidance, please feel free to connect with Chloe Ekkebus, Youth & Family Coordinator, about how to continue to use the Emoji Check-In board. ♦