Grades 1–3
What Could Help?
Read six kids’ feelings and circle the choice that would help, like deep breaths for mad or asking to play for lonely.
SEL worksheet · Feelings and emotions
Nervous and Excited: Same and Different
Nervous and excited can feel a lot alike in your body. Sort nine clues into a Venn diagram to see what is the same and what is different.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–3
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Naming feelings, Emotional vocabulary, Reading facial expressions, Self-awareness
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- I want to hide before something new
- I want to jump up sweaty hands
- Write each clue in the right part of the Venn diagram.
- Something that makes me nervous and excited at the same time:
Teacher tip
Ask kids to notice that their heart races for both. It helps them reframe nerves before a test.
How to use it
- Keep a feelings chart on the wall so kids can find the words they need.
- Use a picture book about feelings as a warm-up.
- Use it during morning meeting or right after recess, when the topic is fresh.
Watch for
Kids who only use happy, sad and mad. Celebrate new words like frustrated, nervous and proud.
Talk about it
- Where do you feel this feeling in your body?
- How might someone else see it differently?
Take it further
Read a story and stop to name how each character feels.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More feelings and emotions worksheets
Grades 1–3
Feelings Find a Friend Who
Walk around the room and find classmates who have felt proud, nervous, brave and more. Each friend signs a square. Fill a row to win.
Grades K–2
My Little Feelings Book
Draw a picture for when you feel happy, sad, mad and scared, then share your little feelings book with a grown-up.
Grades 2–3
Feelings Fill-In Story
Read a short story about Nia’s spelling bee and fill in six feeling words from the word bank, from nervous to relieved.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.