Objective
To help school-age children (6–12 years) identify, express, and manage emotions through a creative and interactive tool that supports psychosocial, communication, and cognitive development.
Materials (All Household Items)
– 1 paper plate or piece of sturdy cardboard (cut into a circle)
– Colored construction paper (optional for layering/emotion flaps)
– Glue or tape
– Scissors (adult supervision)
– Markers, crayons, or pens
– Brass paper fastener (brad) or pushpin (for spinner)
– Paper for arrow/spinner
– Magazines or printed emojis (optional)
How to Make It
– Divide the plate into 6–8 pie-shaped sections and label each with a different emotion (e.g., happy, sad, angry, excited, scared, embarrassed, frustrated, proud).
– Add drawings, emojis, or magazine cutouts that represent each emotion.
– Cut a small arrow from cardboard or paper and use a brad or pushpin to secure it to the center of the wheel so it spins.
– Decorate the wheel with stickers, drawings, or glitter to make it inviting.
How to Use It
– Solo Play: Child spins the arrow, names the emotion, and shares a story when they felt that way.
– Roleplay Game: Spin and act out the emotion using body language and tone.
– Group Play: Great for classrooms or family settings, promoting empathy and turn-taking.
– Journal Prompt: Spin daily and write or draw about that emotion.
Developmental Milestone Alignment
This toy supports several key developmental domains for school-age children (6–12):
Cognitive Development: Promotes emotional recognition, categorization, and reflective thinking.
Psychosocial Development: Supports Erikson’s ‘Industry vs. Inferiority’ stage by enhancing emotional self-awareness and confidence.
Communication & Language Development: Expands emotional vocabulary and encourages expressive storytelling.
Social & Emotional Development: Teaches healthy coping strategies and builds empathy.
Fine Motor Skills: Crafting and spinning engage small muscles in the hands.
Safety: Made from soft, non-toxic materials under supervision.
Scholarly Support
– The Importance of Role Play for Children’s Development of Socio-Emotional Competencies (2014) by Claudia Vlaicu Summary: This study highlights how role play enhances empathy, social interaction, and emotional understanding in children. Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293019372_The_Importance_of_Role_Play_for_Children%27s_Development_of_Socio-Emotional_Competencies
– A Drama-Based Intervention to Improve Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education (2024) by Unknown Summary: This study found significant improvements in emotional intelligence among children involved in drama-based activities. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10212-024-00906-6
Scholarly Support (continued)
– The Importance of Role Play for Children’s Development of Socio-Emotional Competencies (2014) by Claudia Vlaicu Summary: This study highlights how role play enhances empathy, social interaction, and emotional understanding in children. Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293019372_The_Importance_of_Role_Play_for_Children%27s_Development_of_Socio-Emotional_Competencies
– A Drama-Based Intervention to Improve Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education (2024) by Unknown Summary: This study found significant improvements in emotional intelligence among children involved in drama-based activities. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10212-024-00906-6
– Play Therapy as Effective Options for School-Age Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Case Series (Not specified) by Unknown Summary: This case series supports play therapy’s effectiveness in treating emotional and behavioral issues in school-age children. Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371398703_Play_Therapy_As_Effective_Options_for_School-Age_Children_With_Emotional_and_Behavioral_Problems_A_Case_Series