A Heart Full of Emotions: Matching Game
Instructions + Cards Combined PDF
(note: if you’ve already printed the heart emotions and scenarios cards for another activity we recommend printing or viewing the PDF Instructions separately below)
PDF Instructions
Printable Hearts with Emotions and Scenarios
Helping Kids Recognize and Connect Emotions to Real-Life Situations
This fun and meaningful Valentine’s activity supports emotional identification, perspective-taking, and empathy development. Plus, it’s a great way to build connections while helping kids understand and express their feelings!
What You’ll Need:
Download the Printable heart emotion and scenario cards
Paper or cardstock (to print hearts)
Scissors
Optional: Laminator to make the hearts more durable
Getting Ready
1. Print & Cut Out Your Game Pieces
Emotion Hearts: Use the colored, pre-labeled hearts provided (Blue = Sad, Red = Angry, Yellow = Happy, Green = Scared).
Scenario Hearts: Use the pre-written scenarios on printable hearts or write your own on blank hearts to customize the game.
Blank Hearts: Encourage kids to create their own scenarios on these blank hearts for added creativity and personalization.
2. Adjust for Age
Younger Kids (Ages 4-7): Start with 6–8 matching pairs to keep it simple and manageable.
Older Kids (Ages 8-10): Use 10–12 pairs for an added challenge.
Mixed Ages or Groups: Start with a moderate number of pairs (8–10) and add more as the game progresses.
How to Play
1. Set Up the Game
Mix all the emotion and scenario hearts and lay them face down on a table or floor.
2. Take Turns
Each player flips over two hearts: one Emotion Heart and one Scenario Heart.
If the emotion matches the scenario, it’s a match! (For example: “Happy” matches “Your friend shares their toy with you.”)
3. Discuss the Match
Once a match is found, take a moment to discuss:
Why does this emotion fit the scenario?
Have you ever felt this way?
What happened, and how did you handle it?
4. Keep Going
• Play continues until all pairs are matched.
Optional Game Variations
Cooperative Play: Instead of competing, work together as a group to find all the matches while discussing emotions.
Speed Round: Use a timer to see how quickly players can match all the pairs.
Creative Add-On: Use the blank hearts to create new scenarios together during the game!
Wrap-Up Conversation
“Which emotion was easiest to match? Why?”
“Have you felt any of these emotions today? What happened?”
“What can you do if someone is feeling sad, scared, or frustrated?”
Tips for Success
Start Small: Begin with fewer pairs if kids are new to emotional identification or if attention spans are short.
Focus on Quality: Spend more time discussing emotions rather than rushing to finish the game.
Keep It Fun: If kids are engaged, you can add extra pairs or encourage them to create their own scenarios.
Have fun creating heartfelt connections with your kids!
