Teaching Emotions Using AAC Devices
Teaching emotions can feel tricky—especially when a child struggles to explain how they feel. The good news is that with AAC and everyday moments, kids can learn emotion words in ways that feel natural and supportive.
How to Teach Emotions With AAC🔗
Here are simple, low‑pressure ways to teach emotions using AAC throughout the day
Emotion of the Day 🔗
Use the QuickTalker Freestyle to select the “Emotion of the Day” each morning. Encourage children to show you where they feel the emotion in their body.
Sing-Along Emotions🔗
Sing songs with your user about emotions and use the device to choose the next emotion in the song. “Happy and You Know It” and “How Are You” songs are great sing-alongs!
Emotions Story Time 🔗
Read a short story together and ask your user what emotions they see in the book or how a character might be feeling. At the end of the story, you can ask them how the book made them feel!
Feeling Finder 🔗
Hide pictures of different emotions around the room. When children find them, they can use the speech device to label the emotion, promoting picture recognition and problem solving skills!
Emotions Bingo 🔗
Engage your learners with this Emotions BINGO game that works on matching skills and sustained attention. Have them label the emotions on the device or program the word Bingo so they can call it out once they win!
Tips to Remember🔗
Keep in mind the tips below when teaching emotions with AAC.
Expand Emotional Vocabulary🔗
Make sure emotions are available on the device. Include complex emotions, like frustration or embarrassment, as well as basic emotions. Everyone needs access to a wide variety of vocabulary to express themselves fully.
Teach Emotions in Real Time🔗
When a child shows emotion, acknowledge and name it on the device, like “frustrated” when upset. Repeat in-context.
Model Emotions Daily🔗
Use emotional words throughout the day to describe your feelings and others’, helping kids connect emotions and their use. It can be challenging to learn some emotions, like anger, in the moment, so model it in other contexts and activities.
Emotional Learning for All🔗
Teaching emotional learning helps users build communication and social skills simultaneously. Print out this handout and give it to other members of the team!
Related Links🔗
Need More Advice? Ask an SLP!🔗
From speech app guidance to AAC resources, our SLP Empowerment Team is here to help!
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