Helping children understand emotions is an important part of growing up. Learning to recognize happy, sad, angry, surprised, or worried faces can make it easier for children to express their own feelings and understand how others feel.
One simple way to practice these skills is through an Emotion Faces Craft using paper plates. This hands-on activity combines creativity with learning. Children create different facial expressions while talking about emotions in a fun and relaxed setting.
At Circle City ABA, we often encourage activities that help children practice communication and social skills through play. This craft is easy for families, teachers, and caregivers to make at home or in the classroom.
Why an Emotion Faces Craft Is Helpful
Children learn best when they can see, touch, and talk about new ideas.
Making emotional faces allows children to connect facial expressions with real feelings. As they build each face, adults can ask simple questions that encourage conversation.
For example:
- What does a happy face look like?
- When do you feel excited?
- What makes you feel sad?
- What can you do when you feel frustrated?
These conversations help children build emotional awareness while practicing communication.
Supplies for an Emotion Faces Craft
Gather your supplies before you begin.
You will need:
- 5 or more paper plates
- Construction paper
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue stick or school glue
- Washable markers
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Googly eyes if desired
- Yarn for hair
- Pencil
- Black marker
Choose a clean workspace with enough room for children to spread out their materials.
Emotion Faces Craft Step-by-Step Instructions
This activity is beginner-friendly and takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 1: Gather the Materials
Place all of the supplies on the table before starting. Give each child several paper plates along with paper, markers, glue, and scissors. Explain that each plate will become a different emotion.
Step 2: Decide Which Feelings to Make
Choose five simple emotions to begin. Good options include:
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Surprised
- Scared
If your child is ready for more, you can also add excited, tired, proud, confused, or nervous. Talk briefly about what each feeling means before beginning the craft.
Step 3: Draw the Eyes
Use a black marker to draw the eyes on each paper plate. You can also glue on googly eyes if your child prefers. Point out how eyes sometimes change with different emotions. Happy eyes may look relaxed, while surprised eyes may be wide open.
Step 4: Create Different Mouths
Next, draw a mouth for each emotion. Examples include:
- A smile for happy
- A frown for sad
- An open circle for surprised
- A straight line for frustrated
- A squiggly mouth for nervous
Ask your child to look in a mirror and make each expression while drawing. This helps connect the facial movement with the feeling.
Step 5: Add Hair and Eyebrows
- Cut pieces of yarn to make hair.
- Glue the yarn onto each paper plate.
- Draw eyebrows that match each emotion.
- Raised eyebrows often show surprise.
- Slanted eyebrows may show anger.
- Relaxed eyebrows often match a happy face.
Step 6: Decorate Each Face
Allow children to decorate each plate however they like.
They might add:
- Hats
- Earrings
- Glasses
- Hair bows
- Freckles
- Different hairstyles
Creativity makes the activity more engaging and encourages conversation.
Step 7: Talk About Each Emotion
Once the faces are finished, hold up each plate in turn. Ask questions like:
- What emotion is this?
- When have you felt this way?
- What happened?
- What helps you feel better?
Keep the discussion positive and supportive. There are no right or wrong answers.
Emotion Faces Craft Learning Ideas
After completing the craft, keep using the emotion faces throughout the week. You can try activities such as:
- Act out one emotion while another person guesses.
- Read a story and ask which face matches each character.
- Use the plates during bedtime conversations.
- Ask your child to choose the face that matches how they feel each day.
- Practice calming strategies after choosing an angry or frustrated face.
These activities reinforce emotional learning long after the craft is finished.
Emotion Faces Craft Benefits
This simple activity supports many important skills.
Children practice:
- Identifying emotions
- Expressing feelings
- Building communication skills
- Observing facial expressions
- Developing empathy
- Improving fine motor skills through cutting and gluing
- Following directions
- Taking turns during conversations
Many of these skills are important at home, in school, and when playing with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emotion Faces Craft
What age is this activity best for?
This craft works well for preschoolers and elementary-age children. Younger children may need help with cutting, while older children can create more detailed faces and discuss more complex emotions.
How long does the craft take?
Most families complete the activity in about 30 to 45 minutes. You can spread it across multiple days if your child prefers shorter activities.
Can I make more than five emotions?
Yes. As children become more comfortable identifying basic emotions, you can introduce feelings like proud, disappointed, embarrassed, excited, calm, confused, or hopeful.
Why is talking about emotions important?
Children who can recognize and name emotions are often better able to communicate their needs, solve problems, and build positive relationships with others.
How ABA Therapy Can Help Build Emotional Skills
Learning about emotions is just one part of developing communication and social skills. At Circle City ABA, children practice recognizing emotions, expressing feelings, communicating with others, taking turns, solving problems, and building confidence through individualized ABA therapy. Our therapists use fun, engaging activities that match each child’s interests and developmental level. Families are also included in the process so they can continue practicing new skills at home.
Start ABA Therapy at Circle City ABA
If your child could benefit from additional support with communication, social skills, or emotional development, Circle City ABA is here to help.
We provide individualized ABA therapy for children ages 18 months to 17 years in a welcoming, play-based environment. Our experienced team works closely with families to build skills that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
Contact Circle City ABA today to learn more about our services, verify your insurance, or schedule a tour. Find a location near you! We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. We would love to help your child grow with confidence.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.org. Social-emotional development resources. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Social and emotional milestones. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
- CASEL. What Is Social and Emotional Learning? https://casel.org
- Child Mind Institute. Helping Children Understand and Express Their Emotions. https://childmind.org
