Beginners: It’s important to keep the scenarios very simple and relatable to their everyday life (losing a toy, wanting a turn on the swing, missing a parent at school). Visual aids like emoji cards or pictures can help them name their emotions. The teacher should model how to listen closely and repeat back what the partner said in simple language.
Advanced learners: the scenarios can include more complex social situations, like feeling left out of a game or arguing with a friend. The teacher can encourage children to link emotions to possible causes and to think about how emotions change when someone offers support.
Experts: the scenarios can be even more nuanced, including themes like jealousy, embarrassment, or feeling misunderstood. This age group is also capable of handling scenarios that involve group dynamics, like what happens when someone in a group gets teased. The teacher can challenge them to think not only about how they would feel, but also about how different people might feel differently in the same situation.