I show up when something is lost,
I sit heavy and quiet, never loud or boss.
Tears are my language, silence my song
What emotion am I, when days feel long?
What is sadness
Your sibling barges into the room unannounced?
What is 'asking what they want / need'
Lowered head and chin tucked toward the chest, shoulders slumped, eyes looking down, soft or flat voice
What is sad
I feel warm like a gentle light,
I make the world feel safe and right.
In caring words and tender touch
What emotion am I that means so much?
What is love
Someone at school calls you a name intended to embarrass you in front of other students
What is 'walk away'
Shoulders raised or tight, clenched jaw or grinding teeth, furrowed brow, stiff posture, restless movements
What is stress
I burst like fireworks, bright and wide,
I make you laugh and dance with pride.
Birthdays, hugs, and sunny days
What emotion am I that lifts your gaze?
What is joy
You and your friend are walking home from school when he gets a text from his mother with an angry connotation
What is 'check to see if he's ok'
Wide eyes, frozen or posture or stiffness, hands shaking or gripping, stuttering, trembling legs and body
What is fear
I creep in slowly or strike like a spark,
I turn your voice sharp and your face a dark.
When things feel unfair, I come to stay
What emotion am I that wants its way?
What is anger
You and your friend get into a big argument over a game. He throws a punch.
What is 'telling a trusted adult'
Slouched posture, slow and lazy movements, eyes wondering, stretching or shifting position, yawning, repeated motions (like tapping)
What is bored
I make you pause and open your eyes,
At magic tricks or starry skies.
I’m full of questions, big and small
What emotion am I that loves it all?
What is wonder
What is 'using your imagination or coming up with a simple game / project to focus on'
Avoiding eye contact, nervous smile or pressed lips, quiet and hesitant voice, fidgeting
What is embarrassed