Teaching Emotions to Tween Girls: Activities That Make Feelings Fun

Because when girls can name their feelings, they can start to own their power.

Tweens are in that in-between place—no longer little kids, not quite teens. Their bodies are changing, their friendships are shifting, and their emotions? BIG. And often confusing. If they don’t know how to express what they’re feeling, those emotions can come out sideways—through shutdowns, outbursts, or self doubt.

Here’s the good news: emotional intelligence can be taught. And when you teach it in a way that’s engaging, age-appropriate, and even fun, girls learn to recognize, name, and regulate their emotions in real-time. That’s not just a mental health win—it’s a major confidence booster, too.

Let’s break down some creative, connection-based ways to help tween girls feel their feelings and feel good about themselves while doing it.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Emotional literacy is a building block for confidence and resilience

• When girls can name what they feel, they’re more likely to express it in healthy ways

• Fun, creative activities make emotion education engaging and effective

• Teaching emotional awareness reduces shame, increases empathy, and builds inner strength

1. Feelings Wheel Warm-Up

Use a printable feelings wheel to help girls go beyond “happy,” “sad,” or “mad.” Let them point to or color the emotion they’re feeling today. Then ask:

• What made you feel this way?

• What might you need right now?

2. “Emotion Charades” Game

Girls take turns acting out an emotion while others guess. Then have a quick convo: “When have you felt this emotion? How did you handle it?” This adds movement, laughter, and deeper understanding.

3. Emoji Mood Check-Ins

Print emoji cards or use hand-drawn faces for a daily or weekly check-in. Girls choose their “mood emoji” and explain why. It creates normalcy around sharing emotions.

4. Create a Feelings Art Journal

Each page = a feeling. Girls use color, doodles, quotes, and collage to express different emotions. It becomes a visual guide to their emotional world.

5. My Calm-Down Plan

Let girls personalize a worksheet or poster with strategies that help them calm down when emotions run high. Ideas might include:

• Deep breathing

• Journaling

• Talking to a trusted adult

• Listening to music

• Hugging a stuffed animal

6. Feelings Charms or Beads

Assign different emotions to different colored beads. Girls create bracelets or keychains based on how they’re feeling that week—and reflect on what those emotions are telling them.

7. “Inside Out” Movie Reflection

Watch clips or the full movie, then discuss:

• What did each character (emotion) want?

• How did the main character change when she let herself feel more than one emotion at a time?

It’s a great way to make emotions make sense.

8. Emotion Story Cubes

Make dice with different feelings written on each side. Girls roll a cube and share a story or memory connected to that emotion. This builds empathy, connection, and courage.

9. Role-Playing “What If” Scenarios

Set up situations like:

• What if your friend didn’t invite you to her party?

• What if you’re nervous about a test?
  Girls explore how they’d feel and how they could respond with confidence and kindness.

10. Build an “Emotions Toolbox”

Fill a box or pouch with tools like:

• Affirmation cards

• Glitter jars

• Breathing beads

• A list of coping strategies
  Let girls personalize theirs so it feels like a go-to resource during tough moments.

Want More Emotion-Focused Tools?

The Confidence & Self Esteem Coaching Kit includes ready-to-use resources for exploring emotions, building coping strategies, and helping girls feel confident in who they are and what they feel. Journaling prompts, reflection activities, and calming tools included—no prep needed.

Because when girls can say, “I feel ___,” they’re also saying, “I understand myself—and I can handle this.” That’s emotional empowerment at its best.

With Love,
Kate