The Way I Feel

The Way I Feel was written and illustrated by Janan Cain.  This excellent picturebook teaches young children about feelings and emotions in a very understandable manner.  Primarily, though, the main emphasis is that all feelings and emotions are okay with the last line of the book stating, "They're all a part of me!" It is very effective to introduce simple feelings that a toddler could relate to, such as happy, sad or angry to more advanced emotions geared toward older preschoolers and kindergartners, such as disappointed, frustrated and jealous.

                                                                  Narrative Picturebook

                                                                   

Children can relate to the author's outstanding examples when describing the feelings as she writes about real-life happenings that most children have experienced.  For example, for "scared," she discusses and illustrates a child alone in bed during a thunder and lightning storm with the picture showing the child wide-eyed with the covers pulled up to his chin!  Another excellent illustration is "frustrated," with a little girl saying she can't do it because it's hard and wants to cry--the colorful picture shows a little girl trying to tie her shoe. The range of emotions outlined in the book cover most of the feelings all children have felt or will feel during their early years.

Cain's vivid illustrations are so entertaining and depict the children's expressions during the emotions beautifully! Children will love the colors and that they can relate to the pictures and may have even experienced the same feeling of the child performing the task or incident described on the pages.

I so enjoyed this book and we read it many times throughout the year at our preschool.  I think it is imperative to teach children from a young age about their feelings, so they are not afraid to express them. Also, teachers and parents must instill in children that EVERYONE has these feelings throughout their lives--teachers and parents are scared, disappointed, excited, sad, etc. and it is all okay!

This story can be read to children as young as 2 years old through kindergarten and can be modified dependent upon the age group. 

During Circle Time:

• Teachers can ask questions while the story is being read, such as, "Do you know what it feels like to be sad, excited, bored, feel shy, be thankful, etc.?" 
• After the book is read, ask the children if they have questions or would like to share how they are feeling today, with the teacher beginning by sharing how she feels.  If a child would not like to participate, skip them, so he/she will not feel uncomfortable and say that we will come back to you to see if you would like a turn later.

Class Activities:

1. Draw/paint a picture of yourself showing any emotion/feeling they would like and ask them what they drew or painted?  Next, write on their paper the emotion and ask them "when" they feel this way and write that on the paper as well.  Then, send the paper home to parents so they will see what the child has shared with the class.
2. Ask children to tell about a time when they were "Happy" about something in the past couple days to end the discussion about feelings in a lighthearted way!!

This is a wonderful book, endorsed by Discovery Toys, to add to the classroom library based on its content, wonderful illustrations and terrific message about each and every person feeling different emotions throughout each day.  Additionally, I feel it should ALWAYS be on the bookshelf, available to children during free play, so they can pick it up whenever they wish.  It shouldn't be tucked away for a specific theme, for instance, as children may enjoy looking at it alone, perhaps if they are feeling a particular emotion that day!  

Other outstanding books by Janan Cain:

• Asi me siento yo (Spanish version of The Way I Feel)
• Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone

Reference

Cain, J.(2000). The Way I Feel. Seattle, WA: Parenting Press, Inc.