Connect, Communicate, Create, Practice…Play!
Kimochis Feeling Frenzy
Tuck all of the feeling pillows inside your character’s pouch. Have family members take turns pulling a Feeling from the pouch (but keep it hidden from the other players) and describing what can cause this feeling. “I feel this way when I see two friends whispering” (Left Out). When the Feeling is guessed, place the guessed Feeling in the middle of all the players. When all of the Feelings are guessed, the players get to have a feeling frenzy. Turn on music and let the players toss the Feelings around until the music stops. When the music stops, have your child quickly pick up the Feelings as fast as they can, tuck them in the character’s pouch, and bring them back to the Bowl of Feelings.
Simon Says “Feelings”
Play “Simon Says” and have your children give feeling directions. Each person gets a turn to pull a Feeling from the bowl and give a feeling direction. For example, say: “Simon says, look happy.” In between prompts, you can ask them questions about the feeling, such as “What makes you feel happy?”
Let’s Get Excited
Sitting in a circle, play hot potato with the Excited feeling pillow. Pass it fast and furious. Tell your child that at some point, you are going to toss the Feeling into the air. Whoever catches it gets to give a playful command to the group. For example, “Do your excited dance!” or “Make an excited face!” Wrap up this activity by tucking the Excited Feeling in your character’s pouch and talking about an upcoming family activity that everyone is excited about.
Please Pass the Grateful
Pass the Grateful Feeling around at mealtime as each person shares an appreciative moment. Be playful with Grateful by tucking it under someone’s plate. This person will make everyone else feel grateful because they get to do the dishes!
Scavenger Hunt for Feelings
Hide the Kimochis Feelings around the house—don’t let your children see! Have your kids take their character on a scavenger hunt for the Feelings. As they find the hidden Feelings, they can tuck them in the character’s pouch. When all the Feelings are found, sit together and take turns pulling a Feeling from the pouch and sharing: “I felt [name the Feeling you pulled out] when [situation.] What I think would help me is …”
The “I Feel Happy” Station
Post an “I Feel Happy” chalkboard, poster, or paper in a high-traffic area and make sure there is a pen or marker nearby. Begin by writing one thing that makes you feel happy. It can be a question, a comment, or a request. Some examples to get things started:
- What makes you feel happy today? Love, Dad
- Can I do anything to brighten your day? Love, Mom
- I feel happy because I did not have to pick up after anyone today. Love, Dad
- I feel happy when my children thank me for cooking. Tonight can everyone please try that? Love, Mom
Encourage your children to write back and keep up an ongoing dialogue. Post pictures on the board that make you remember happy times and add captions:
- Here you are on your first day of school. What a happy memory. Love, Dad
- Remember how silly this goat was at the petting zoo? Love, Mommy
If this communication tool is a big hit with your family, you may want to invest in an erasable white board. Then you can keep this positive and happy communication station going through many seasons and years. Create other feeling stations such as the “I Feel Grateful” station or “I Feel Proud” station!