Feeling Angry
In this episode, three kids (Lauren, Esther, and Sam) join Todd to explore the feeling of anger — what it is, how it makes us feel, and what we can do about it! They share their experiences with anger and go on a journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas where they advise a Qook-a-leekie, Kainaz, who is feeling very … ANGRY.
In addition to the episode itself, we released a bonus interview with our guest star, Marjan Neshat, an amazing actress who has recently been channeling her own anger by amplifying the voices of people in her home country of Iran. After recording the episode, Marjan stayed on for a one-on-one conversation about her recent experiences and advocacy related to what’s happening in Iran. We believe deeply in having difficult conversations and not shying away from topics that may not be comfortable for everyone to discuss. Parents don’t always have a choice about what kinds of conversations they have with their children. Children see, hear, and read everything around them, and they have questions. Parents, you might want to listen alone to the bonus interview before sharing this with your children.
Guest Stars in Feeling Angry
The role of Kainaz is played by Marjan Neshat, an Iranian-born, American actress, who’s well known for her roles on stage, and in film & TV. (Please also listen to our special bonus interview with Marjan about how she’s transforming her own anger about what’s happening in her home country of Iran into advocacy.)
The ukulele music and the original song “Feelings are OK” are written and performed by Bill English. Bill is an actor, musician, and voiceover artist based in NYC.
Original Song: Feelings are OK
“Feelings Are OK” is written and performed by Bill English, an actor, musician, and voiceover artist based in NYC.
Educator Resources
Anger is a feeling that ALL people experience from time to time. It’s a normal emotion — just one of the things that people feel — like happiness or sadness. Often, anger comes with other feelings, such as fear, shame, embarrassment, sadness, or worry. Although anger is just a feeling, it is sometimes considered a “negative” feeling — something to push away. But there’s nothing wrong with feeling angry as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody. Anger can actually be a good thing! Anger can sometimes motivate kids to stand up for themselves or others, and anger can help motivate people to make plans or solve problems!
These extension activities will help parents and educators to support children (Pre-K to Grade 3) as they explore — and learn to move through — feelings of anger.