Emotion Vocabulary Activity 2

Play the Statue Game to introduce advanced emotion vocabulary & support personal connections through physical expression.
Three students using their bodies and faces to show the three advanced emotion vocabulary words baffled, enraged and panicked.
 
 

What is it?

Kids play The Statue Game to embody unfamiliar emotion words. Teachers ​notice and describe the variety of physical choices made, make space for personal connections and offer support by providing and eliciting context as needed.

What is needed?
  • Time
    2-4 min set up & model
  • 2-3 min for each word
  • Space
    Room to move around & pose
 
  • Three boys show varying poses for advanced emotion word vocabulary while playing the Emotion Statue game.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/bmy5QW1Fir8
    Let's learn some advanced emotion vocabulary by playing the Emotion Statue Game!

    In this game, kids learn advanced emotion vocabulary by embodying it and noticing how it feels and looks. Teachers provide context for unfamiliar words by prompting kids to imagine a situation. Through noticing and describing a variety of expressions, kids learn to use their body and the knowledge of peers as a resource to make connections to new words.

    Play the statue game for core emotion words first
 

Make Personal Connections

Physical expression provides an opportunity to learn from your own body & the bodies of others. Use this game to help the child understand what a new word means to them and be curious about how others experience the same word.​

Go Deeper
 
  • A drawn outline of a student showing in a pose with her hands to her heart.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/xwPVToJEatQ
    How can I support personal, SEL & literacy connections?
    • Embody each word multiple times, so kids have time to notice how they feel.
    • Remember what counts- Kids experiencing how a new emotion word feels in their own body. This is an experience not a test!
    • Model being curious about the different ways people experience emotion by describing the variety of ways kids express the same word.
    Describing tool: Face & Body
 

Classroom Examples

This activity was tested in a variety of classrooms and adapted by many different classroom teachers as well as teaching artists!

What does it look like?
 
  • Teaching Artist, Classroom Teacher and students pose to show the word infuriated.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjRyoiBXHPU

    Self-contained classroom example

    Teaching Artist Rima Fand & Classroom Teacher Theresa Donnelly
    (PS 62Q kinder/ 1st grade class
    12 students with disabilities, 1 teacher & 1 para-professional).
  • A composite image of students in different classroom showing different versions of anger
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/vGF4pcKW8Ds

    First grade classroom example

    Classroom Teacher Jean Antoldi (PS 229Q, first grade).
  • Students embody advanced emotion words while playing the Emotion Statue game.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/p2SOLtG9SSg

    Kinder ML example (artist led)

    Teaching Artist Susanna Brock
    (PS 316Q, kindergarten Multilingual Learner class)
  • Students show their understanding of advanced emotion vocabulary while creating poses during the Emotion Statue game.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/TfaUvwdNdAI

    Kinder ML example (teacher led)

    Classroom teacher Lesley Goldstein and Teaching Artist Sara Jane Munford
    (PS 66Q, kindergarten Multilingual Learner class)
  • Teaching Artist Laine Barton and her students play the Emotion Statue game during a remote lesson over a video call.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/cPwE5pM1z5E

    On-line classroom example

    Teaching Artists Laine Barton and Rachael Balcanoff and classroom teacher Bibi Zabar
    (PS 62Q, 1st grade class)
  • A Teacher in an integrated co-teaching classroom leads the Emotion Statue game, modeling the word furious.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/DH--LA1YlwM

    Socially distanced, ICT classroom example

    Classroom Teachers Jeanine Dalo & Nicole Caruso (PS 63Q, 1st grade ICT class).
 

Steps & Scripts

Open each step for video, sample scripts & a downloadable steps PDF

Download the Steps
Steps- Statue Game: Advanced
 

Step 1: Review the Game

  • Step One featuring Teaching Artist Psacoya Guinn
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/FkP39NAvEKw
    See sample script (1 min)
    • We are going to play the “Emotion Statues” game again!
    • What is a statue again? Show me with your body! Remember that statues stay in one spot, keep their balance and stay very quiet. Good Job! Relax your body.
    • What is an emotion again? That’s right! An emotion is the same as a feeling.
      Today, we’re going to make statues to show some new, fancy, “ooooh la la!” emotion words.

    Steps- Statue Game: Advanced

Download the Steps
Steps- Statue Game: Advanced
 

Step 2: Model Advanced Version

  • Step Two featuring Teaching Artist Psacoya Guinn
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibIyHXVRTFU
    See Sample Script (1-2 min)
    • Context- These emotion words might be new to you, so I’ll give you an idea of when you might feel that way-  Maybe our first new emotion word is thrilled!  If you won a game for the very first time  you might feel thrilled!
    • We will all use our face, body and voice to say & show thrilled. I feel thrilled!
    • We will freeze into a thrilled emotion statue.
    • I will describe all of the many wonderful ways that you are using your body to show “thrilled”. You might be making the same statue as someone else or you might have your own idea. I might also ask you when you have felt that way!
    • Then we’ll reset. We’ll shake that feeling off and relax our bodies so we’re ready for the next word.

    Steps- Statue Game: Advanced

Download the Steps
Steps- Statue Game: Advanced
 

Step 3: Play the Game

  • Kids jumping and cheering to express the vocabulary word 'ecstatic'
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrkAvRi95rs
    See Sample Script (2-3 min per word)
    • Context- The next emotion word is Frustrated! If you are trying to use scissors and they are so dull that they won’t cut, you might feel frustrated.
    • Say & Show– Let’s use our bodies to show and voices to show the word  Frustrated!  I feel Frustrated!
    • Freeze into an emotion statue that shows the frustrated!
    • Describe & Ask- Wow! I see so many different, wonderful ways to show Frustrated!  Some people pulling their hair. Other people are drooping their shoulders and rolling their eyes. I see one person with with their nostrils flared!  When have YOU felt this way? When have you done this with your body?
    • Reset- Shake that feeling off and relax your body.  (See the reset step below for more ideas!)

    Steps- Statue Game: Advanced

 

Step 4: Release/Reset/Refocus

  • Students playing the Emotion Statue Game and making expressive poses to show different feelings.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIQBv1K4YhI
    See reset options (10-20 seconds)
    • Relax your body
    • Take a deep breath
    • Wipe it away
    • Shake it out
    • Wiggle it away

    Choose a consistent way to do it!

     

     

 
 

Start Planning

Before you play, explore these planning resources.

Find tools & supports
Downloads
Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource
Context Sentence Planner- Advanced
Plan & Prep- Statue Game Advanced
Steps- Statue Game: Advanced
Tips- Statue Game Advanced
Describing Tool- Face & Body
Webpages
Suggested Booklist- SEL
Notice, Describe & Ask: Physical Expression
 

Helpful Tips

  • A Teaching Artist and her students play the
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZJF9cJVJl0
    Watch this video for tips about…
    • Supporting your students
    • Facilitation
    • Validating kids ideas
    • Giving yourself support
    • Pacing
    • What counts

    Facilitation Tips- Statue Game: Advanced

 

Choose advanced emotion vocabulary

  • Three students using their bodies and faces to show the three advanced emotion vocabulary words baffled, enraged and panicked.
    Choose advanced words that relate to emotions…

    … in class

    … in books your kids are reading

    … in stories your kids are writing or playing

    Help kids connect advanced vocabulary to core emotion words they know.  introduce new words in pairs of subtle & extreme synonyms (For example: pleased & ecstatic)  Scroll for examples in each core emotion!

  • 'Thrilled and Pleased' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for happy
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for happy

    Pleased & Thrilled

    Contented & Overjoyed

    Amused & Ecstatic

    Satisfied & Delighted

    Calm & Elated

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

  • 'Glum and Miserable' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for sad
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for sad

    Upset & Devastated

    Low & Crushed

    Dismayed & Anguished

    Glum & Miserable

    Discouraged & Defeated

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

  • 'Grumpy and Furious' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for mad
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for mad

    Grumpy & Furious

    Frustrated & Infuriated

    Annoyed & Enraged

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

  • 'Repulsed and Unsettled' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for disgusted
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for disgusted

    Skeptical & Repulsed

    Hesitant & Loathing

    Sickened & Revolted

    Unsettled & Disturbed

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

  • 'Worried and Terrified' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for scared
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for scared

    Timid & Frightened

    Worried & Terrified

    Nervous & Panicked

    Apprehensive & Horrified

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

  • 'Flabbergasted and Shocked' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for surprised
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for surprised

    Shocked & Flabbergasted

    Amazed & Astonished

    Startled & Stunned

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

  • 'Flummoxed and Puzzled' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for confused
    Examples of subtle & extreme synonyms for confused

    Uncertain & Baffled

    Unsure & Bewildered

    Puzzled & Flummoxed

     

    Find more words using the Advanced Emotion Vocabulary Resource

 

Plan support for your students

  • Teaching Artist Erin Orr standing in the front of a classroom and pointing to an emotion mapping tool. Students are raising their hands with ideas.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/PYSfvf1xOxM
    Prepare supports to offer as needed

    During this activity, assess! Are your students familiar with the words you are introducing?

    If your students are unfamiliar with a word

    •  Prep beforehand: ONE engaging, relatable context sentence for each advanced emotion word (Example: When you get a new puppy, you might feel DELIGHTED). See the Context Sentence Planner Advanced for criteria, format and more examples.
    • It can be hard for kids to regulate and physically express the difference between extreme and subtle emotions. Be specific in the way you express emotion words physically & vocally to provide context and clarity for your students.  Practice beforehand how you will express each advanced emotion word.  For tips and support, see the Planning and Preparation Guide Statue Game Advanced Emotion Vocabulary
    • Hang up an Emotion Mapping Tool to use as a visual aid

    If some or all of your students are familiar with the word, support peer to peer learning:

    • Invite students to share a time that they have felt that emotion.  Validate nuanced and varied ways of understanding and experiencing aword. that arise during these conversations..  Advanced emotion vocabulary is complex and children may have different, valid ideas about what these words mean and when they feel that way!​
    • You can always use your planned context sentence to clarify how the word is most often understood and what it is used to communicate.
    • Describe the variety of ways the kids express the word with their physical choices.  Use the Describing Tool-Face and Body

    If you are planning to introduce complicated emotions (ex: Lonely, anxious, horrified) Allow extra time for discussion in case big feelings come up.  Check out the Build Your Skills section for more ideas for how to support these conversations.

 

Plan to connect and extend

  • Three students embody the vocabulary word
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8K3sXUJ3k0
    Connect to Literature!

    In this video, 1st grade classroom teacher Jean Antoldi and her students embody words that describe emotions felt by characters in the book “The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neil.  For more extension ideas, take a look at the connected activities at the bottom of this page and check out the Bridges Suggested booklist SEL

  • Students participate in a vocal and physical warm up to help them become familiar with emotion vocabulary.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/HVE-L0dKqdQ
    Build understanding of dialogue

    Students can apply what they are learning about advanced emotion vocabulary to make expressive vocal choices and deepen their understanding of dialogue.  Check out the Activity Support Packet For the Expressive Dialogue Game

 
 

Build Your Skills!

Your students will make deep and personal connections to new words when playing this game.  Use the activity below to prepare to stay grounded when complex conversations come up.

Prepare for big feelings
 
  • Teaching Artist SJ Munford and a student displaying the feeling of being shocked
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wde4deZ8vAA
    Expect deep and complex emotional conversations

    Watch this video and notice how the teaching artist honors a child who shares an authentic personal connection and validates their experience.  After you watch, reflect!  How do you feel about having complex conversations around emotions with your students?​ What are you going to do for yourself to stay grounded during these conversations?

 

Reflect

After you play, assess how it went and find support to go deeper!

How did it go?
 
  • Students playing the Emotion Statue Game and making expressive poses to show different feelings.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIQBv1K4YhI

    The game took too long because…

    …my kids were wild!

    Watch this video for some ideas for how to help your students release, reset and refocus.

  • Student uses emotion mapping tool to get ideas for how to draw expressive puppet faces.

    The game took too long because…

    …all the kids wanted to share when they felt this way!
    Allow more time for connections as you move on to Mapping Advanced Emotion Vocabulary!​
    Mapping Advanced Emotion Vocabulary
  • Students in a classroom displaying the feeling of being ecstatic!
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/6l9ep8jVKXY

    It was challenging to describe kids’ choices!

    It takes practice! Watch this classroom teacher build her describing skills (with help from a teaching artist mentor). For support use the Describing tool: Face & Body
    Describing Tool: Face & Body
  • 'Thrilled and Pleased' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for happy

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • 'Glum and Miserable' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for sad

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • 'Grumpy and Furious' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for mad

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • 'Repulsed and Unsettled' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for disgusted

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • 'Worried and Terrified' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for scared

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • 'Flabbergasted and Shocked' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for surprised

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • 'Flummoxed and Puzzled' Two students displaying extreme and subtle examples for confused

    The kids wanted to make every emotion EXTREME

    It's hard to regulate & switch between expressing extreme & subtle emotions. Show these images & ask kids to notice & describe the difference!
  • A class is embodying the emotion vocabulary word 'furious'. One child is not participating.

    My kids were not expressive!

    Scroll to find a warm ups and other supports
  • Four cute kindergartners practice raising their eyebrows to show facial expressions.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/5_tptdoipbI

    Try the Facial Feature Warm Up

    Clarify the parts of your face that you can make choices with! Check out the activity support packet for the
    Facial Feature Warm Up
  • Students participate in a group vocal warm up.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/qe7x9I-V9A4

    Warm up with “I Am Using My Voice”

    Build confidence through unison vocal expression. Check out the activity support packet for
    I Am Using My Voice!
  • A teacher and students standing in front of a classroom modeling physical and vocal expression

    Model physical and vocal expression

    For tips on how to build your physical and vocal expression skills see the
 

Connected Activities

If you liked The Emotion Statue Game, check out these activities!

Connected Activities PDFs
Do Before (options)
Facial Feature Warm up
I am Using My Voice!
Do Before (required)
Emotion Statue Game: Core Vocab
Do after (options)
Mapping Advanced Emotion Vocab
5 Shapes Many Emotions
Expressive Dialogue Game
Emotion Character Grab Bag
More like this
Quick Pose Warm Up
 
  • Teacher Leader Jean Antoldi placing an emotion onto the Emotion Map
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/3hM_enJpLSo
    Emotion Vocabulary Activity 3

    Watch this video to see how classroom teacher Jean Antoldi uses Emotion Mapping to further clarify, compare, & contrast the new words her students are learning through The Emotion Statue Game! For more videos and to find support to do it, check out the activity page for

    Mapping Advanced Emotion Vocabulary
  • Kids pretending to be bored zombies, stiff arms stretch in front of them, heads dripping in differnet directions, mouth open, eyes closed.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/UbCQlLlNkyA

    Scroll for more physical expression warm ups

    Explore how characters can express a variety of emotions. Watch the video above and play the
    Emotion Character Grab Bag Game
  • Four cute kindergartners practice raising their eyebrows to show facial expressions.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/5_tptdoipbI

    Scroll for more physical expression warm ups

    Focus on facial expressions and how they communicate emotions in a fun way. Try the
    Facial Feature Warm up
  • Two students showing bumpy with their bodies during the quick pose warm up game.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOjqqLGlIgc

    Scroll for more physical expression warm ups

    Make tangible, physical connections to new vocabulary and concepts. Try the
    Quick Pose Warm Up
  • A boy stands side by side with his puppet and mirrors the surprised expression that he created on his puppet's face.

    Scroll for SEL through vocal/ visual expression

    Explore and Describe how small composition choices about shape, spacing, direction and pattern can transform the expression of a puppet face.
    Check out the
    5 Shapes Many Emotions activity
  • A composite image of two first graders embodying emotions felt by characters in the book “The Recess Queen” and the cover of
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8K3sXUJ3k0

    Connect to literature

    In this video, 1st graders embody words that describe emotions felt by characters in the book “The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neil. Check out the Bridges Suggested booklist SEL
    Bridges Suggested booklist SEL
  • Children in different classroom settings using their voice dramatically

    Explore SEL through vocal expression

    Use rhythm & repetition to explore vocal choices and emotion, and build expressive skills & confidence. Visit the
    Vocal Expression Activity Page
  • Students participate in a vocal and physical warm up to help them become familiar with emotion vocabulary.
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/HVE-L0dKqdQ

    Explore SEL through vocal expression

    Students can apply what they are learning about advanced emotion vocabulary to make expressive vocal choices and deepen their understanding of dialogue. Check out the
    Expressive Dialogue Game.
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