Stories, short films and video stories to educate emotional intelligence

  • A carefully curated selection of short films, video stories, and books to work on key emotions.
  • Practical guide for use: before, during and after each resource to maximize learning.
  • Skills developed: awareness, regulation, empathy, assertiveness and values.

Illustration about animated stories and emotional intelligence

Educating in Emotional Intelligence is a necessity that goes beyond the classroom and the school curriculum. It is important that we involve our children in basic skills to identify, understand and regulate what they feelThis way they will not only get to know each other better, but also their relationships will improve with others and will increase their well-being.

Animated short films are a window to the soul that encourage simple and visual thinking. Fantasy brings us closer to very clear realitiesLearning to manage anger, understand sadness, respect others, and strengthen self-esteem. At Madres Hoy, we invite you to sit down with your little ones and discover together These productions are full of magic and educational value.

Short to educate in Emotional Intelligence: «The Moon»

Fabulous Pixar production in which we meet a child who enters the adult world for the first time and the responsibility of following a family tradition: clean the moon of the stars that fall from the sky.

  • Listen to the voice of childhoodChildren have the right to choose, to be creative, and to have their own voice.
  • Belonging and family bond: to value the role of parents and grandparents, to collaborate on common projects and to feel heard and respected.
  • Imagination with purposeTo see beyond the obvious and understand what it implies a responsibility.

Watch "The Moon" on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/89968576

Animated stories to educate in emotional intelligence

Short film to teach Emotional Intelligence: "Monsterbox"

A visual experience created by young French artists: Ludovic Gavillet, Derya Kocaurlu, Lucas Hudson, and Colin Jean-Saunier. an explosion of color and endearing creatures which tells the story of the friendship between a girl and an old man.

  • Introduce respect, friendship, empathy, commitment and affection through everyday situations filled with fantasy.
  • Intergenerational relationship and intercultural: friendships that transcend age and differences, cultivating tolerance and empathy.
  • Patience and second chancesRelationships evolve, mistakes are made, but Trust builds friendships solid.

Watch “Monsterbox” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OczEHXRU9WU

Short to educate in Emotional Intelligence: «Angry»

How many times have you calmed your child down after a tantrum? Many. Childhood easily overflows And she doesn't always find words for what she feels: frustration, disappointment, or simply not getting what she wants.

This short film is Ideal for ages 2 to 6 and helps to name what is happening inside.


  • Identify sensations: urge to cry, throw things, tension.
  • Understanding anger as a valid emotion that can be regulated.
  • To put into words to what is annoying, to the extent of the available language.
  • Channeling anger with simple and repeatable strategies.

Play "Angry" (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Krw5hSsFxo

Short to educate in Emotional Intelligence: «The largest flower in the world»

Un A charming story by José SaramagoAs children's stories should be: simple, vivid, and impactful. It encourages engagement. solidarity, connection with nature, a look at childhood and a sense of beauty.

Just ten minutes to enjoy the message and the music composed by Emilio Aragón. Narrated by Saramago himself. It's exciting from the start. and leaves a deep mark.

Video (The world's largest flower): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=SGliynI_UGc

Short to educate in Emotional Intelligence: «The scarecrow»

"Legend has it that scarecrows cannot have friends ..." A magnificent piece with a somber yet tender atmosphere, reminiscent of Tim Burton's universe. It's one of those short films that... they strike a chord.

  • A scarecrow gazes at the wheat and the birds, longing for friendshipBut everyone is afraid of him.
  • Don't judge by appearances not even by rumors: a noble heart is capable of extraordinary gesturesTeach friendship, respect and courage in a memorable way.

Watch "The Scarecrow" on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/58985713

Short to educate in Emotional Intelligence: «A kiss before going to sleep»

Everyday feelings convey more than a thousand explanations. Hugs, caresses and kisses Saying good morning is emotional language that strengthens the bond and children must learn to recognize it.

  • Positive emotions educate by themselves: a hug gives security and recognition.
  • As they grow older, they may seek less contact, but tenderness communicates y improves relationships.
  • To shake hands, to accept a caress that relieve the stress, small gestures that sustain daily life.

Watch "A Kiss Before Sleeping" — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNpuis6zkGA

Just as important as these short educational videos is what happens at home. Let's build a healthy emotional context so that the little ones can internalize self-awareness, empathy, respect and assertive communicationEverything is acquired with practice and time: we adults are model and guide so that it happens in the most positive way possible.

Video stories to work on emotions and values

In addition to the short films mentioned above, the video stories They are a valuable resource to help boys and girls to to name what they feel, understand how your mind works and practice regulating behaviors in everyday moments.

Breathe

A mother teaches her restless son to use breathing with simple images (boat, rocket, owl). The little one discovers the self-control of emotions and impulses with exercises you can repeat anywhere.

The calm of León

Using a jar of glitter and water, the mother explains how the brain It gets agitated when there is anger.Leon learns to search for a quiet place Take a breath so that the "mental glitter" returns to its place before acting.

The Guardian of the Forest

A goblin guides the animals during a period of isolation in the forest. The story explains with friendly language what are the fear, anger, and sadness and proposes activities to manage as a family.

The queen of colors

Malwida commands her colors to transform and discovers that each one awakens an emotion. When the gray pervades everythingunderstands that he needs respect and balance each tone so that joy and calm may return.

The Hedgehog's Tale

Ericito is new to school and is afraid to hurt with its thornsHis classmates give him gifts protective corks And so he can play. A story about empathy, inclusion, and respect to the differences.

El hormiguero

After winter, the ants come out to look for food. The story emphasizes the cooperation and honestyA lie puts the group at risk and forces them to repair the damage with everyone's help.

The color monster

A monster feels a emotional chaosLearn to organize. joy, sadness, anger and calm in colored containers to distinguish them. It's ideal for to introduce the little ones in emotional vocabulary.

The Little Prince

A traveler meets a child who teaches him to value what is essential and the small gestures. Perfect for talking about meaning, friendship, responsibility, and affection.

Disobedient chick

Tomasito ignores his mother and lives several scaresFrom those experiences he learns to Listen to advice, anticipate risks and take care of yourself.

Spooky!

A character recounts his great fear and the form so they can laugh at him. It's a door to normalize fear and practice coping strategies.

Stories and books to train emotional intelligence

Books are a privileged tool for educating emotional awareness, the regulation, the personal autonomy and life skills. Below you will find a selection organized by emotions and competencies, with stories that move and inspire. valuable dialogues at home or in the classroom.

  1. Joy – “My Little Joys”: an album that celebrates the little things that make us happy and encourage children to identify your everyday treasures.
  2. Friendship – “I don’t need friends”: a grumpy rat discovers that share and keep each other company It's better than being alone. Complementary alternative: "Best friends (almost always)," to understand ups and downs and conflicts of childhood friendship.
  3. Unconditional love – “My love”: answers the great childhood question “Will you always love me?” and shows that affection remains beyond of the errors.
  4. Assertiveness – “If I had a quill”: a hedgehog learns to put limits and saying “no” while still being kind, taking care of their needs.
  5. Asco – “What a disgusting sandwich!”: humor to understand that disgust is a protective emotion key to taking care of ourselves.
  6. Self esteem – “I don’t want curly hair”: a girl makes peace with her image and learn to to love yourself just as you are.
  7. Calm and mindfulness – “Breathe”: visual and postural exercises that help to regain serenity and fall asleep.
  8. Jealousy – “Helium with an h”: the arrival of a baby stirs up the older sister, who needs reaffirm their place and feel seen.
  9. Cooperation – “Water”: a town discovers that, if work in team, can achieve goals that seemed impossible.
  10. Curiosity – “Can I look at your diaper?”: A curious little mouse uses humor to talk about habits and autonomy.
  11. Mourning – “The Tree of Memories”: Zorro’s friends honor his life with shared memoriesaccompanying the sadness.
  12. Empathy – “The Little Sheep Who Came to Dinner”: a wolf and a sheep break labels and discover the compassion and helping others.
  13. Envy – “Red cat, blue cat”: two cats compare themselves until they understand that accept It's easier than being what you're not.
  14. Enthusiasm and perseverance – “Bogo Wants It All”: An inventive fox learns from his fracasos and persevere with humor.
  15. Phobia – “The koala that could”: a koala overcomes its paralyzing fear and dares to try new things with the support of friends.
  16. Frustration – “That’s life”: not everything goes as planned; the book guides to accept, learn and follow.
  17. Gratitude – “Thank you, badger”: friends remember what they received and practice the gratitude as a form of bond.
  18. Social inclusion – “The Extra Bee”: A beehive discovers that nobody is superfluous and that diversity adds up.
  19. Wrath – “Furious Fernando”: when anger escalates, everything “breaks”; it shows the need to stop and regulate.
  20. Malice and limits – “Bad”: animals that boast about mischief learn that playing with limits It has consequences.
  21. Emotional distress – “Rabbit malaise”: gray days that defy explanation; explore loneliness, nostalgia and self-care.
  22. Fears – «The black dog»: fear grows when you don't look; courage and play They make it small.
  23. Lost – “Grandfather’s Island”: a sweet and symbolic farewell that accompanies the process of acceptance.
  24. Prejudices – “The wolf in underpants”: questions the fueled fear through rumors and business dealings.
  25. Rage – “Again!”: a dragon enters volcano mode when things don't go as planned; ideal for talking about emotional outbursts.
  26. Resentment – “Nono’s tantrum”: revenge hurts everyone; the story shapes forgiveness, reparation and dialogue.
  27. Pride – “The mirror”: when one only looks at oneself one stops serve others.
  28. Soledad – “Grandma’s shenanigans”: knitting as connecting wire that helps to break out of isolation.
  29. Solidarity – “The perfect moment”: to help along the way, even if it causes delays, It's always worth it.
  30. Surprise – “Nandi’s Surprise”: a walk full of discoveries which invites us to talk about generosity.
  31. Personal growth – «Bolobo»: being born different does not prevent achieving autonomy and develop talent.
  32. Tenderness and nonverbal language – “There’s no need for a voice”: affection is communicated with caresses and presence.
  33. Shy – «Mimí tomatito»: with adequate support, shame gives way to trust.
  34. Tolerance and diversity – “For four tiny corners of nothing”: adapt the environment It is better than forcing someone to change their essence.
  35. Sadness – “Tears under the bed”: validates the crying as a form of expression and a warning about repressing emotions.
  36. Courage – “Son of Dragons”: an adventure to explore identity, desire and courage.

How to use short films, video stories and books to educate about emotions

  • Before watching or reading: ask what they think will happen, what they feel today, and what emotion they know from the title or cover.
  • During: pause at key scenes and connect with your own experiences: "When have you felt like this?", "What would you do?".
  • After: identifies main emotionBody signals, thoughts, and behaviors. Work together to create a “calm plan” or a “courage kit”.
  • Bring it to lifeCreate colorful jars, gratitude jars, a calm corner, breathing cards, a journal of joys, and a solutions board.
  • Standardize and validateThere are no "good or bad" emotions. There are emotions that inform and behaviors that can be learned to regulate.

Educating emotional intelligence with stories that move you It's a powerful way to support children. With these short films, video stories, and books, you'll have a varied repertoire to talk, empathize, and develop social-emotional skills in a way that fosters positive relationships. practical, caring and constantRemember: the greatest learning comes when shared with family and it applies in everyday life.