Expressing Emotions Social Story Pack | SEL Worksheets & Counseling Activities

Help your students learn how to identify, express, and regulate emotions with these Expressing Emotions Social Skills Scenarios! This pack supports children in developing healthy ways to share feelings with others, respond appropriately to big emotions, and build stronger relationships.

Each story presents a realistic situation, followed by reflection questions and good choice vs poor choice responses to guide problem-solving. With two differentiated levels, this resource works for SPED, ESL, and elementary classrooms.

✨ What’s Included:

• 10 Level 1 Scenarios with longer passages and comprehension questions.
• 10 Level 2 Scenarios with short, simplified text and visuals.
• Good choice vs poor choice options for practicing coping strategies.
• Printable & digital formats for flexible use in class or counseling.
• Illustrated student pages that help children connect with the content.

Differentiation

• Level 1: Helps students reflect on why feelings matter and how to communicate them effectively.
• Level 2: Beginner-friendly texts show how to express emotions safely with simple, concrete examples.

10 Level 1 Scenarios (Higher-Level)

1. Telling a friend when you feel left out.
2. Expressing frustration when a game doesn’t go your way.
3. Sharing excitement about a class project.
4. Talking to a teacher when feeling sad.
5. Using calm words when angry.
6. Asking for help when feeling nervous.
7. Telling a friend you feel proud of their work.
8. Expressing disappointment in a safe way.
9. Sharing feelings about missing a family member.
10. Talking through a problem with a peer.

10 Level 2 Scenarios (Simpler, Beginner-Friendly)

1. Saying “I’m sad” when a toy breaks.
2. Smiling when you feel happy.
3. Saying “I’m mad” instead of yelling.
4. Asking for a hug when upset.
5. Saying “I’m excited” about a trip.
6. Asking for help when scared.
7. Clapping for a friend when proud.
8. Saying “I feel nervous” before a game.
9. Using words instead of stomping feet.
10. Drawing a picture to show feelings.

Why Teachers Love It

⭐ Encourages healthy emotional expression

⭐ Differentiated for SPED, ESL, and elementary learners

⭐ Easy, no-prep SEL resource

⭐ Strengthens self-regulation and communication skills

⭐ Perfect for SEL lessons, morning meetings, or counseling

This resource is ideal for expressing emotions worksheets, social emotional learning activities, emotional regulation worksheets, SEL lessons for kids, social stories about feelings, classroom management SEL, social skills scenarios, counseling activities for emotions, self regulation worksheets, and character education lessons.

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