Sometimes we are at a loss for words – especially when emotions rise – but that doesn’t mean we aren’t communicating. In order to develop a stronger grasp of the meaning behind non-verbal communication – facial expressions, in particular – the West Wing children have begun photographing their facial expressions and working together to identify the feelings and meaning behind the expressions. Prompted with the question, “What does your face look like when you are feeling sad?”, the children shared these expressions with the group:
When we reviewed the images on the computer together, we noticed how different children had different expressions for each emotion.
Looking at Jake’s photo, the children began to describe what they thought he was feeling and what would make him feel better.
Jake: I was feeling angry and sad. It means you want to do whatever you want to do but you don’t get to.
Teacher Jessica: It sounds like you are describing the feeling of disappointment.
Arrow: He’s [feeling] bad. Maybe he just needs a hug.
Leo: Maybe him needs a book.
Jake: I just need a nice quiet book.
Julian: Maybe he needs an icepack because maybe somebody hurted her.
Arrow: He misses his mommy and daddy.
Jake: I think he wants his mommy.
Our discussion helps us to better understand emotional triggers and when viewing these expressions with an empathetic eye, the children identify strategies for supporting and caring for one another. Slowing down and taking the time to see all the non-verbal cues we receive helps us to be a more conscientious in our community and more attuned to the needs of others. -Teacher Jessica