I Feel Sad
Emotions Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
In photographs and simple text, children contrast things that make them feel sad with those that do not, knowing that the sadness will pass.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the character feeling sad make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the character?
What do you think are good ways to help someone who is feeling sad?
What do you do when you feel sad to feel better?
Why is it important to tell someone when you're feeling sad?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child how they can tell if someone is sad and discuss the importance of talking about feelings.
While reading, point out the facial expressions and body language in the illustrations that indicate the character’s emotions.
After reading, encourage your child to express a time they felt sad and discuss what helped them feel better.
Validate your child’s feelings by sharing a personal story of a time you felt sad and how you coped with that emotion.
Use the book’s examples to teach empathy, showing your child how to recognize and respond to sadness in others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book 'I Feel Sad' helps children recognize and name their feelings, focusing on sadness. Through its narrative, it demonstrates situations that might trigger sadness in kids.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by identifying their own emotions and expressing them in a healthy way, leading to better emotional regulation.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: By seeing the character experience sadness, children learn to empathize with others who might be feeling the same way.
Real-World Application: This understanding can encourage children to be more compassionate and supportive towards their peers, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping Strategies
Explanation: In the book, the character shows different ways to cope with sadness, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in soothing activities.
Real-World Application: Children can mimic these behaviors to manage their own emotions, equipping them with tools to handle tough situations in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience Building
Explanation: The story highlights that feeling sad is a part of life and that these feelings are temporary. It teaches kids that they can overcome sadness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children build resilience, empowering them to face challenges head-on and recover from setbacks more effectively.