amazed

Feeling amazed (or in awe of something) is a great way to feel and may even lead to us feeling happier. Yep, that’s right! There are quite a few studies that have found that people who feel amazed by things are happier. For children, the easiest way to demonstrate this emotion is relating it to something visual – and nature is often a great place to start – a rainbow, a colourful shiny beetle, a sunset, a tall tree etc… Of course there are other senses that elicit the feeling of amazement. A taste, for example, or a piece of music. What elicits amazement is a very personal thing.

How to explain amazed to children

“Sometimes you might see something that is amaaaaaazing. It is something that you don’t see every day. It might be something small or something big. You might make you say “Wow!” or “That’s amazing!”

Often when I see something amazing, I want to show others too… or tell them about it.

But remember – not everyone feels amazed by the same things as you.”

Then you might give some examples: For example, “One day, I saw a magician do a juggling trick with six balls. I was so amazed.”

Time to imagine

Here, Coco is amazed by a beautiful glowing butterfly. Coco has wide, open eyes and a big smile. Coco is saying, “WOW!”

What else might make Coco feel amazed?

Relate it to the child. When have you felt amazed?

Language to explore

Explore and use the words AMAZING and AMAZED.

This week

Find something in nature that makes you feel AMAZED. Bring it in to share (or have acaregiver take a photo on device).