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My kiddos were disappointed when we missed the chance to see Inside Out at the movie theater. We did not hesitate to go to Walmart and buy it when it became available and neither should you!
I wanted to capitalize on my daughter’s excitement and came up with a fun game that we could play with the Inside Out toys as well.
Inside Out is NOT just another Disney movie, consider it a learning tool for preschoolers. My family used it as an invitation to identify feelings in a fun way. My 4 and 6-year-olds loved these activities and hopefully so will yours.
1) DIY Emotion Manipulative
Think of this craft as a Mr. Potatohead or emotions. By focusing on just the head, children can focus on the attributes to what makes a sad face. It’s not just a frown…the eyes can tell the story too.
Materials:
- Small Tin
- Magnets
- Paper
- Mod Podge
- Glue
- Cardstock
- Colored Markers
How to Make Your Own:
First, grab a tin. I found this adorable 4 oz sized cookie tin. It is small enough to where my preschooler can hold it and the tin makes this activity portable. You get bonus points if the kids get to eat the cookies inside (as opposed to hiding in the closet and eating them all yourself). Next, prep the tin with a few coats of white primer.
In keeping with the theme, I used Inside Out Duck Tape to decorate the outside.
Next, draw out the head and facial features on cardstock, cut them out and glue to magnets and the tin. Finally, use a coat or two of Mod Podge to make your masterpiece more durable. Once it is dry you can have fun!
2) Watch Inside Out
Seriously, put away your phone, snuggle up and watch it with your children! The movie is almost like a visual handbook for preschool emotions. If Disney movies are not your thing, there are some funny parts for adults too…so suck it up and watch it at least once. I think you’ll be glad that you did.
3) Play Charades
This game can be really silly and full of comedy, BUT it helps your toddler identify OTHER’S emotions. It shows the children that everyone expresses anger differently and that sometimes we feel SEVERAL emotions at once. It also shows how easily we can misinterpret another person’s feelings. Good stuff right?!
So how do you play with a preschooler who cannot read? This is where I used the smaller Inside Out Tomy toys. I wanted to participate as well, so when it was our turn to act, we would base it off of a toy that we randomly drew out of a bag. After watching the movie, preschoolers will know what each character represents. Whenever, my youngest got Anger, she would cross her arms and exclaim “GRRRRRR”. Any guesses where THAT came from? (Big smile)
These activities are so fun and educational. I hope that you try them out with your little ones. Do you use Inside Out to teach your child about emotions? No? What are you waiting for?! Run to Walmart and let me know what fun crafts you have planned!
