Emotion-Art, If I Were the Character

Advanced
Age: 4-5
2 sessions of approx. 1 h
Children explore an artwork, imagine how the depicted people feel and why, and relate these emotions to their own experiences.
Managing learning
Conversation Storytelling
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pictures of paintings or artworks showing people or characters
  • White paper sheets
  • Coloring materials (crayons, markers, paints)
Emotion-Art, If I Were the Character

Print version

Preparation

Arrange the selected images so that all children can see them clearly - e.g., on a wall, board, or table.

Implementation

Invite the children to look carefully at the pictures or paintings.

Ask what they notice about the characters: their expressions, body language, or colors used in the artwork.

Recognizing emotions in others

Each child chooses one image.

The teacher asks guiding questions such as:

  • How do you think this person feels?
  • Why might they feel that way?
  • What could have happened to them?

Encourage children to describe what they see and to use emotional vocabulary (sad, happy, worried, surprised, calm, etc.).

Connecting to personal experiences

Each child selects a picture, and the teacher asks:

  • Imagine you are this person. When did you feel like this?

Invite the children to share personal experiences or stories connected to the emotion shown in the picture.

Expressing through art

Give each child a copy of their chosen image.

They cut it out, glue it onto a blank sheet, and complete the picture by adding elements inspired by their own experience - e.g., where they were, who was with them, or what helped them feel better.

Reflection

Discuss together:

  • How can we recognize emotions in other people?
  • How does it feel to express emotions through art?
  • What helps us understand what someone else might be feeling?

Variations and Additional Ideas

Children look for the same emotional expression (e.g., happiness, sadness, fear, surprise) in different pictures, magazines, or printed copies.

They create collages showing that same expression in various people or contexts.

The teacher guides a short discussion following the same reflective steps as in the main activity, helping children compare how one emotion can look slightly different on different faces.