Emotions describe complex states of mind, and there are a number of words used to try and convey emotional states. So to increase a child’s emotional intelligence while expanding vocabulary, select some grade-appropriate words from the list below to use as spelling/vocabulary words for your classroom.
For each word, you can have kids…
- Describe a time when they’ve experienced this emotion
- Write down actions that would make others feel this way
- Use the word in a sentence or a short fictional story
Vocabulary words for emotions
- Abandoned – Distracted – Panicky
- Able – Distressed – Positive
- Abused – Enthusiastic – Powerful
- Accepted – Fearful – Powerless
- Acknowledged – Frightened – Protected
- Adequate – Frustrated – Remorseful
- Agitated – Furious – Resolved
- Alive – Good – Restricted
- Angry – Grief stricken – Sad
- Anxious – Guilty-Happy – Satisfied
- Apprehensive – Helpless – Secure
- Assured – Inadequate – Selfish
- Authentic – Incensed – Shy
- Certain – Indifferent – Stuck
- Cheerful – Inferior – Sure
- Cherished – Insignificant – Thwarted
- Clear – Invalidated – Timid
- Comfortable – Irate – Trapped
- Competent – Lonely – Unable
- Confident – Loved
- Confused – Motivated
- Content – Numb
- Determined – Optimistic
- Disinterested – Overwhelmed