The Feelings Dinosaurs: Children's Book About Emotions and Feelings
#4 of 9 in Emotional Regulation Series
on Goodreads (42)
What’s inside...
How do dinosaurs deal with their emotions? Little dinosaurs experience a wide range of emotions including anger, anxiety, and sadness. This charming story helps children explore and express their feelings, teaching them to cope with difficult emotions and develop emotional intelligence and empathy. The book is loved by both children and parents for its relatable content and educational value, making it an excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers. It is suitable for kids ages 1-5 and is perfect for toddlers, boys, girls, preschool, pre-K, and Kindergarten.
Discussion points
How did the dinosaurs show their feelings in the story?
Which dinosaur's feelings did you understand the most and why?
Can you tell about a time when you felt like one of the dinosaurs?
What are some ways we can help someone who is feeling sad or angry?
How did the dinosaurs' friends help them feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own feelings about a situation today, which shows your child that it's safe to express emotions. Use expressive facial gestures and voice tones to mirror the emotions of the dinosaurs when discussing them. Encourage your child to draw a picture of a dinosaur and the emotion it might be feeling, to deepen their understanding and retention of the story’s themes. Validate and acknowledge your child’s feelings as they relate to the book, showing them that their emotions are important and heard.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book features dinosaurs experiencing various emotions, from happiness to sadness, which helps children identify and name their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use this knowledge to express their emotions more clearly and understand others' feelings in social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: Through the interactions of the dinosaurs, the story teaches children to notice how their actions can affect others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate in their interactions and enhances their ability to empathize with peers.
Example Lesson: Emotional Regulation
Explanation: The Feelings Dinosaurs demonstrates how the characters manage their emotions, providing models of coping strategies for young readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn practical ways to handle their emotions, which is crucial for their mental wellbeing and social relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing Feelings
Explanation: The dinosaurs in the book often share their feelings with friends, showing the benefits of open emotional communication.
Real-World Application: This promotes the idea that talking about feelings is healthy and normal, encouraging children to share their emotions with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Challenges
Explanation: As the dinosaurs face various challenges, they demonstrate resilience by navigating their emotions effectively.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it's okay to feel upset and that there are constructive ways to overcome emotional challenges.