In this weekly playgroup, we play social emotional learning games. I started creating emotional awareness games while volunteering with youth and then for my own children. The positive effect on their emotional resilience continues to astound me. Plus, it is so much fun!

I guide students through fun games to recognize and understand many facial expressions, voice inflection, body language, emotions and needs. The games I create often include:
- Printable activity page
- Stuffed animal scenarios
- Strategy game 
- Show and tell of their favorite toy that week

These games use the time-tested wheel of emotions (Physical feeling/sensation - Emotion - Need) at their core. The wheel of emotions combines easily with all types of faiths and family values. 

Here is what to expect in a playgroup
1. Greet by name: Each child is greeted by name
2. Group solving: Solve the emotional awareness puzzle presented in the week's activity sheet
3. Stuffed animal interaction: Each child and their stuffed animal interacts with a choose your own adventure story
4. Strategy game: In the demo camera we play one of my strategy card games that take us through the emotions of daily life
5. Show and tell: Children show and tell about their favorite toy that week
6. Closing questions and wave: Until next time

Scenarios presented in games and stories include the seemingly small, yet big events in children's lives. Losing a tooth, getting a haircut, meeting a new friend, going to a birthday party are all major events that children are naturally enthralled with. Yes, that is a strong word and quite accurate. Often our little ones don't know what is happening inside of them during these events. But through the power of play, I have seen that they not only become aware but often help their siblings flow through these events too.

Schedule:
Each group varies with the children's interaction yet follows the same structure each week to give the child familiarity. There are no pre-determined assignments or subjects. I will make sure the printable PDF activity page is uploaded for each week.