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Pre-K preparation · Feelings & friends

Social & Emotional Readiness

Feeling safe, asking for help and getting along with others are some of the most important things children bring to school. These activities build those skills through everyday play.

5–15 minutes per activity

Activities to try

10 minutesNaming feelings

Feelings faces

You’ll need

  • A mirror
  • Optional: the “My Feelings” printable

How to play

  1. Make happy, sad, angry and surprised faces together in the mirror.
  2. Name each feeling.
  3. Talk about a time you felt that way.

Things you might say

  • “What does your face do when you’re happy?”
  • “What helps when you feel sad?”

Make it easier: Focus on two feelings: happy and sad.

Add a challenge: Add worried, proud, frustrated and calm.

10 minutesAsking for help

Help cards

You’ll need

  • Index cards
  • Marker

How to play

  1. Draw simple pictures for “help,” “bathroom,” “water” and “break.”
  2. Practice using them at home: your child hands you a card or points.
  3. Always respond, so your child learns asking works.

Make it easier: Start with one card for “help.”

Add a challenge: Pair each card with the spoken or signed words.

5–10 minutesTaking turns

Turn-taking tower

You’ll need

  • Blocks or cups

How to play

  1. Take turns adding one block each to a tower.
  2. Say “My turn… your turn” each time.
  3. Knock it down together and start again.

Make it easier: Use a visual: pass a toy microphone or object to show whose turn it is.

Add a challenge: Play a simple board game with a spinner or die.

10 minutesJoining play

Can I play?

You’ll need

  • Stuffed animals or dolls

How to play

  1. Act out two toys playing together.
  2. Have a third toy ask, “Can I play?” and practice answers.
  3. Let your child be each toy.
  4. Practice at the park with real friends when ready.

Things you might say

  • “What could Bunny do if they say ‘not now’?”

Make it easier: Practice simply standing near others and playing the same thing.

Add a challenge: Practice suggesting an idea: “Let’s build a castle!”

15 minutes to set upHandling big feelings

Calm-down corner

You’ll need

  • Pillows or a blanket
  • Soft toy, books, a squeeze ball

How to play

  1. Create a cozy spot together.
  2. Practice using it when calm: take slow breaths, hug a toy, look at a book.
  3. Offer it (never require it) when feelings get big.

Make it easier: Keep it to a pillow and one favorite toy.

Add a challenge: Add a “feelings chart” so your child can point to how they feel.

5 minutesSeparation

Goodbye practice

You’ll need

  • A trusted adult

How to play

  1. Create a special goodbye: two hugs, a high five and “See you soon.”
  2. Practice short separations with a trusted person.
  3. Always come back when you said you would.

Make it easier: Start with a few minutes in the next room.

Add a challenge: Practice at a new place, like a friend’s home or story time.

Sample phrases

Words to model for your child, and simple phrases they can use — by speaking, signing, pointing or using a device.

For grown-ups: naming feelings

  • “You look frustrated. That tower keeps falling.”
  • “It’s okay to feel sad. I’m here.”
  • “Your body looks excited — let’s take a big breath together.”
  • “I feel nervous about new things sometimes too.”

For children: asking for help

  • “Help, please.”
  • “I need the bathroom.”
  • “I don’t understand.”
  • “I need a break.”

For children: playing together

  • “Can I play?”
  • “My turn, please.”
  • “Your turn!”
  • “Let’s build together.”

For children: saying how they feel

  • “I’m sad.”
  • “I’m mad.”
  • “Stop, please.”
  • “I miss my mom / dad / grandma.”

Sources we checked

We used these public resources to check safety, nutrition and development guidance on this page. Linking to them does not mean these organizations endorse Boogie & Bean World.