Duration: 10 minutes
SPIRIT Skills:
- Emotional awareness, regulation and communication
- Empathy
Brief Description:
After the introductory discussion, children receive their “Emotion Hunt” cards. These cards display 4–5 basic emotions through simple icons and colour codes (e.g., blue for sadness, yellow for joy). Each student or pair is invited to explore the natural environment and collect or draw items that feel emotionally connected to the listed feelings.
How does this develop particular SPIRIT skills
This stage supports:
- Emotional awareness – by encouraging children to observe and interpret emotions through sensory input.
- Empathy – as children begin to recognize how external cues may reflect internal feelings.
What do we want to achieve regarding SPIRIT skill development (student understanding and/or behaviour)?
As a result of this stage, the activities:
- Help children link abstract emotions with tangible items.
- Encourage mindfulness and observation.
- Strengthen symbolic thinking.
Academic/Curriculum Objective connection
- Natural sciences – classification of natural elements
- Arts – symbolic use of natural materials
- Civic education – emotional literacy
Materials and tools needed for implementation
- Printed emotion cards with symbols and colours
- Small pouches or paper bags for collection
Preparation notes
- Prepare enough cards for each pair or child
- Choose a safe and rich natural environment (e.g., school garden)
Guided Questions
- What kind of object could feel ‘angry’ or ‘sad’?
- Can colours or textures help you decide?
- What do you notice about nature when you’re feeling calm or joyful?
Stage Debriefing Questions (Optional)
- “Was it easy to find something for each emotion?”
- “Did any items surprise you?
Tips and Tricks for dealing with stage challenges
- Remind children there is no ‘wrong’ object – this is about perception.
- Support children who feel unsure by walking with them and offering examples.
- Have backup paper and pencils for children who prefer drawing to collecting.