Stages: Emotions Cards review for Timberdoodle

Timberdoodle sent us these Stages: Emotions Cards that are included in the PreK Curriculum kit. We've been having a good time with them. Included in the box are 3.5x5 inch cards with photos of people showing different emotions and a set of scenario cards.

The emotions cards include photos of sad, disgusted, angry, surprised, and happy. I do wish there were more emotions. The 5 that there are, have several different people showing the emotion. We were able to match the emotion in games of Memory or Ispy.

The scenario cards were fun to engage in conversations about feelings during certain situations. We also talked about our memories and emotions when talking about the photo. There are conversation questions on the backs of these cards to encourage discussions which does help guide you.

Also, on both sets of cards are columns for noting when the card or emotion was introduced and when it was mastered. Its a good way to track the development of your child and their understanding of their own and other people's feelings. I'd say, we have a lot more work to do before my kids understand their own emotions and that of others.

I've mostly used these emotions cards with my 5 year old. He has extreme explosive emotions and is quick to react. I was hoping using these cards with him would help relate to how other people feel when he does something or reacts with a temper, but I haven't seen any change quite yet in his behavior. He is able to connect with the photos and match the emotions or feelings when we play games with the cards, but actually applying what we talk about does not always stick in his brain.

My 2 year old really only understood happy and sad when looking at the emotions cards.

This is her being sad, above, after looking through the pictures of sad people.

We only get about 5 minutes of using the cards before they end up everywhere and Little Miss tosses them everywhere.

Overall, these cards a wonderful resource to connect with themselves and others. Emotions and feelings can be a really hard thing to understand and control. I'm glad to have these cards as a tool. Hopefully, we will be able to get ahold of personal feelings, though it can take a lifetime to learn. We do enjoy our Stages: Emotions Cards when we add them to our day.