Are you an SLP looking for easy ideas for teaching the emotion of “frustration” or “angry” and what to do when you feel frustrated? Are you a parent teaching your child about emotions and do you want some easy videos to share with your child about frustration and how to self calm?
If so, this blog post is for you. This article shares 9 YouTube videos that you can use at home or in your speech therapy sessions to focus on teaching the emotions of “frustration” and “anger” - as well as some ideas of what to do about it.
When I get Frustrated by Green Kettle
This song is for children ages 3 and older. It describes several situations (with real kids) that might make kids scream, shout or stomp their feet in frustration.
Some of the lyrics:
I know, I know my brain has thought it through
I’ll just be smart,
I’ll try again
And keep my patience too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnPW_LK10fE
Anger Rhyme: Appy Store
In this video, they do a take on the “If you’re happy and you know it” song, and replace with singing “if you’re angry and you know it _______ (action)” (squeeze a ball, count to ten, blow bubbles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1aKQeN8djY
When I’m Angry: Storytime with Annie & Rocco
I like this song, because at the start it describes several situations and feelings that may lead to anger.
Some lyrics from the song:
Close your eyes,
Take a deep breath,
Try to smile,
Everything can be just fine
If you try to ease your mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs33-HoeoCQ
My Wallaby Won’t Use His Words: Play Kids
In this song, Wallaby gets frustrated and won’t use his words and shouts and cries. This is a simpler song for younger kids.
Breathe in, and count with me to 5
Breath out, stay calm it’s alright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDUcyLtKC3M
Melting - Flow: Go Noodle
This is a guided relaxation with visuals for kids ages 5+. This video does have lots of upper-level language (including some complex sentences), so it may not be appropriate for all students. That said, this is a great activity for school-age kids that could be done with an entire classroom or at the start of a speech group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcZm2oJ7DKE&t=92s
Belly Breathing Song: Esme & Roy
In this video, monster gets really frustrated and has a friend come to help. This song is sweet and is helpful for even very young children.
Some lyrics:
Take a deep breath,
Put your hands on your tummy,
Feel your belly rise and fall
In through your nose, out through your mouth
It’s not hard at all
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c646TZ_E18A
Common and Colbie Caillat: Sesame Street
This video guides children through how to belly breathe, with examples of kids practicing the skill. The chorus is catchy, and this song would be appropriate for even younger children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mZbzDOpylA
Relax: Sesame Street
In this video, the word “relaxed” is defined, taking a deep breath is described, and there’s a cartoon about waiting in line at the end. This would be a good video for the preschool crowd. This link includes more videos after the ones described here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq_eDGKs5MU
Take a Step Back and Ask for Help: Daniel Tiger
This one is my personal favorite. I had a little girl with an Autism diagnosis come in, and her mom sang this song with her and they practiced breathing whenever she got overwhelmed. It was really beautiful to see their bond and connection, and this is a sweet song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jW68qUDmWc
You Tube Videos for Speech Therapy - Focusing on Frustration
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you work on frustration:
It’s totally normal as a child (and as a human being!) to feel frustration! Frustration might feel like disappointment, anger or a variety of other emotions
Work on increasing your child’s vocabulary for emotion words and modeling different emotion words at home
Practice “do overs” at home - for example if your child takes something from a sibling, once calm, practice the targeted skill (asking for the toy, getting another toy, sharing, etc)
Remember, there aren’t bad and good emotions - emotions are just emotions. We do things with all emotions! This blog post just focuses on things to try when frustration arises
Another resource I love is The Incredible 5 Point Scale - feel free to adapt for your own use in your classroom or at home
