Emotions Number Toss: Hands-On Letter B Activity

Processing emotions is really hard for preschool kids! Help your child learn more about their big feelings with this emotions number toss and hands-on letter b activity using balloons.

Related: Letter A Hands On Activity.

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Start by giving each emotion a name.

It’s hard to talk to your child about emotions when they aren’t really sure what it is they are feeling yet. As your child process big emotions, give those emotions a name. “Johnny, you are feeling angry right now. Take deep breaths for a few minutes.” or “Lucy, it’s so sad when you miss Grandma. I miss her too. Let’s call her on the phone.” When your child is feeling the emotion is the perfect time to give these abstract concepts a name.

Here’s what you need for your emotions number toss activity.

One Funnel
One Marker
At least four balloons in different colors
Numbers 0-9.
Sugar/Salt

Watch Letter B Circle Time Here!

Instructions for the emotions number toss activity.

First, gather your supplies. You can use numbers from a puzzle, a different game, or make your own. For an easy solution – these would be super cute on cardstock squares.
Second, fill each balloon with sugar/salt using the funnel and tie off.
Third, Draw emotional faces on each balloon. Let your child help with this if possible.
Fourth, arrange the numbers in a line about one foot apart.
Have your child stand at a reasonable distance, choose a balloon, and name the emotion.
Have your child toss the balloon to a number. Ask your child to identify whichever number it lands closest to. This number can be the number of points your child gets for that turn if you have more than one player and want to keep track. You could also practice taking that number of deep breaths.
Keep the supplies for this game to play as a coping technique when your child struggles with big emotions.

Don’t get hung up on rules or points or a right and wrong way to play. There really isn’t a right or wrong way to play the game and a relaxed approach will help your child have a more healthy emotional regulation. Sometimes, we as parents get ourselves wrapped around our expectations and cause stress when it is unnecessary. That’s why I always say if your child is stressed by an activity, take a break and come back to it later.

Letter B Hands-On Activity Tie-Ins

Balloons and Big Emotions both start with the letter B. This is a perfect tie in. Breathing deeply is also the perfect starting coping mechanism to introduce to a young child, and Breathe starts with the letter b as well!

As you play this game, spend time talking about each emotion. Use leading questions like these examples as you introduce the names of the emotions.

How do you feel when someone takes a toy away or refuses to share? (long pause — You probably feel angry!)
What do you feel inside when Grandma comes to visit? (long pause — that emotion is happiness.)
How does it make you feel when Daddy comes home each day. (long pause — We are very happy, right?)

Once you’ve talked about all the big emotions on your balloons, switch to talking about the letter b. Ask your child if he notices anything in your game that starts with the letter b. Help as necessary until he or she comes up with balloons, big emotions, and breathing. Practice making the letter b sound, and drawing the letter b in the air a few times between turns.

Watch Letter B Circle Time Here!

Deep Breathing with the Emotions Number Toss

Finally, spend some time talking about how much deep breathing helps us gain control of big emotions. Practice breathing deeply according to the number of the toss. If your balloon lands near the number 7, breathe in and out deeply as you count to seven.

If your child struggles to understand deep breathing, the following things can help.

A Hoberman Sphere. Have your child expand and contract the sphere as he breathes.
Bubbles. Blowing bubbles requires that you exhale long and slow. This helps children learn to control their exhale.
These seven deep breathing exercises are perfect for kids.
An Apple Watch or a deep breathing app on your phone can help your child visualize how to breathe deeply.

Be sure to save the supplies for this game! Every time you play together, you will be helping your child learn coping skills for big emotions while reviewing the letter b and its sounds.