While some children have no trouble, many children struggle understanding facial expressions and emotions. This is especially true of children who fall under the autism umbrella and those with sensory processing disorder. 

Above are two worksheets that I have created to help teach children how to read faces.  Color and cut out the faces.  Print onto cardstock or glue onto popsicle sticks for strength.

These cards can be used several ways:

• Imitate the face
• Talk about a time that you had this emotion
• Draw the face
• As you read a book, choose the emotion each character is feeling
• Ask “How do you feel when…” questions

"How do you feel when..." sample questions:

• You just found out that your grandparents are coming today and bringing you a very special surprise.
• You dropped a big object on your foot.
• Your little brother/sister broke a tower you just finished making.
• You picked up all of your toys without being asked.
• A group of friends won't let you play with them.
• A friend calls and invites you to come over and play.
• Some people you don't know are coming over today for supper.

Each question may have more than one answer.  Have the child explain why they chose each emotion.

Books: 

    What Do You Do with a Grumpy Kangaroo - Tony must help a kangaroo deal with different emotions.  Use the illustrations in the book to discuss various feelings.  Match the Emotions Printable faces with the feelings the kangaroo experiences.