Nakamura, T., Munekata, N., Nakamura, F., Ono, T., & Matsubara, H. (2011). Universal game based on traditional children’s outdoor games. In J. C. Anacleto, S. Fels, N. Graham, B. Kapralos, M. Seif El-Nasr, & K. Stanley (Eds.), Entertainment computing – International Conference on Entertainment Computing 2011. Lecture notes in computer science (vol. 6972) (pp. 59–64). Springer. Kim, C. S., Chun, W. Y., & Shin, D. M. (2020). Dehydration impairs physical growth and cognitive development in young mice. Nutrients, 12(3), 670. Standing with hands placed on the hipscan be an indication that a person is ready and in control, or it can also possibly be a sign of aggressiveness. Roter DL, Frankel RM, Hall JA, Sluyter D. The expression of emotion through nonverbal behavior in medical visits. Mechanisms and outcomes. J Gen Intern Med. 2006;21 Suppl 1:S28-34. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00306.x Watt Smith writes that language and emotion are strongly linked; brain imaging studies show that when parts of the brain associated with emotion are stimulated, so are the parts linked with language and making meaning. There are current theories that language can help us name and manage emotions and also bring emotions into being (for example, some languages have no word for 'worry' asking the question 'If we can't name it, do we feel it?').

Facial expression – What is their face showing? Is it masklike and unexpressive, or emotionally present and filled with interest? Edmonds, C. J., & Burford, D. (2009). Should children drink more water? The effects of drinking water on cognition in children. Appetite, 52(3), 776–779. Young children usually express emotions directly and physically - they make it clear what they're feeling! They also express themselves through their mark making, play and movement. The complex skill of expressing emotion in language involves reflection and emotional vocabulary. It is also vital for problem-solving, resolving conflicts and negotiating in social situations (not something a lot of adults would say they have achieved!). Language and emotional expression Challenges with vocabulary can often be clearest when pupils move to secondary school. The curriculum becomes increasingly complex and the vocabulary involved reflects that. At this vulnerable point of transition, vital ground can be lost.The games below involve an embedded social context, explicitly teaching social skills in real time and in actual situations and facilitating emotional development. 3 Fun games for infants and preschoolers 1. Red light, green light Astington, J. W., & Jenkins, J. M. (1999). A longitudinal study of the relation between language and theory-of-mind development. Developmental Psychology, 35(5), 1311–1320. https://doi.org/10.1037//0012-1649.35.5.1311

Attunement is being aware or receptive to the child. For example, attunement play may include peek-a-boo and baby talk. With these interactions, an emotional connection is formed. 2. Music Castellary-López, M., Muñoz Muñoz, J. R., Figueredo-Canosa, V., & Ortiz-Jiménez, L. (2021). Implementation of an intervention plan for emotional development in people with Down syndrome. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4763. Touch. We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very different messages given by a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the arm, for example.Secours, N. (2016, March 30). 6 Movies for your children’s emotional development. Kaleido. Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.kaleido.ca/en/blog/6-movies-for-your-children-s-emotional-development/

Posture and gesture – Is their body relaxed or stiff and immobile? Are their shoulders tense and raised, or relaxed? Common songs such as If You’re Happy and You Know It, which conveys happiness, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, which conveys curiosity, are fun ways to get very young children to begin to think about emotions. Bloomquist ML, August GJ, Cohen C, Doyle A, Everhart K. Social problem solving in hyperactive-aggressive children: How and what they think in conditions of automatic and controlled processing. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology 1997;26(2):172-180. These smart, well-intentioned people struggle in their attempt to connect with others. The sad thing is that they are unaware of the nonverbal messages they communicate.However, by improving how you understand and use nonverbal communication, you can express what you really mean, connect better with others, and build stronger, more rewarding relationships. The importance of nonverbal communication Voice. It's not just what you say, it's how you say it. When you speak, other people “read” your voice in addition to listening to your words. Things they pay attention to include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.” Think about how your tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence. Can nonverbal communication be faked? Jones, K. (Presenter). (2018, September 22). Emotional regulation in children and teens (No. 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In CEU Cast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceucast-1-emotional-regulation-in-children-and-teens/id1436442612?i=1000420251522 Blinking is natural, but you should also pay attention to whether a person is blinking too much or too little.