🌈 Emotion Translator Chart

Activities for Families
Written By Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Children don’t always have the words to express what they feel, so their behavior often speaks for them. The Emotion Translator Chart helps families pause and look beneath the behavior to understand what their child might be trying to communicate.

This activity supports families in shifting from reacting to behavior → to responding with understanding.

🌱 Skill Focus:

  • Emotional awareness

  • Communication skills

  • Empathy and understanding

  • Self-regulation support

  • Perspective-taking

💛 How It Works:

Families create a simple chart together during a calm moment:

When my child does this…They might be telling me…I can respond by…

Examples:

  • Throws toys → “I’m overwhelmed” → Offer a break

  • Yells → “I need attention” → Move closer and listen

  • Runs away → “This is too much” → Reduce the demand

Add your child’s specific behaviors and revisit the chart as patterns become clearer.

🌿 Why This Matters:

When families understand the message behind the behavior, frustration softens.
Children feel seen, and adults respond with intention instead of reaction.

👉 Download the activity here

#EmotionalAwareness #BehaviorIsCommunication #FamilySupport #SocialEmotionalLearning #KidzExec #UniversalPreschool

Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Dr. Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Ed.D. is the founder of SILWELL-C (Staff-Inspired Leadership for Wellness and Calm), a wellness initiative created to empower educators, leaders, and teams to thrive from within. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, from assistant teacher to director to Education Coordinator, Dr. Skyers-Gordon understands the challenges and opportunities staff face each day.

SILWELL-C was born from her belief that true wellness in schools starts with the staff themselves. By providing calm leadership strategies, practical tools, affirmations, and inspiration, SILWELL-C equips educators and leaders to create supportive, balanced environments where both staff and children can flourish.

Through workshops, consultations, and creative resources, Dr. Skyers-Gordon combines her in-depth expertise with a passion for cultivating resilience, connection, and calm in every space. Whether it’s through her upcoming Wellness Toolkit, the JamBel Storybook, or the Free Wellness Hub, she continues to design practical ways for educators and leaders to sustain their own wellness while inspiring others.

At its core, SILWELL-C is more than a program; it’s a movement: a reminder that when staff lead with wellness, schools grow with strength, calm, and confidence.

https://www.silwellc.com
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